Gov. Bassey Otu Honored with Best Governor Award in Food Security at Africa Food Heroes Awards

Abuja: Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has been awarded the Best Governor Award in Food Security at the Africa Food Heroes Awards held in Abuja. According to News Agency of Nigeria, the awards were organized by the Centre for Agropreneurship and Green Economy (CAGE) to honor individuals and institutions making significant advancements in agriculture and food security across Nigeria. Hajiya Balaraba Abdulahi, a member of CAGE's Board of Trustees, stated that the ceremony was a moment of national reflection, emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in Nigeria's economic stability and food sovereignty. Abdulahi highlighted that CAGE established the award to recognize various stakeholders, including governors, policymakers, farmers, researchers, and agripreneurs, who are contributing to Nigeria's agricultural transformation. CAGE's evaluations indicated that award-winning governors have achieved significant milestones such as widespread distribution of farm inputs to thousands of farmers and rehabilitation of essential access roads. They have also promoted the cultivation of staple crops like rice, maize, cassava, ginger, and wheat, along with export commodities such as cocoa and oil palm. Innovative programs in Cross River State, including Project Grow and the Commercial Agriculture Development Fund, showcase forward-thinking approaches to food security and economic development. Abdulahi noted that independent assessments revealed improvements across awardee states, particularly in input distribution, feeder road rehabilitation, dry-season farming, and strengthened value chains for crops like rice, cassava, maize, and cocoa. These interventions have expanded market access for smallholder farmers and improved rural livelihoods, especially for women and young people. She also commended the Federal Government for its policy reforms and partnerships that support state initiatives and bolster national food security efforts. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, who accepted the award on behalf of Gov. Otu, dedicated the recognition to God. He praised the organizers for their 'transparent and democratic selection process,' asserting that it would further encourage people-centered development. Ebokpo emphasized the government's continued focus on policy development and infrastructure to strengthen food production and ensure food security for all residents, adding that the honor would motivate the state to intensify efforts in building a resilient agricultural sector. In a goodwill message, Prof. Walter Binang, former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Calabar, described the award as distinguished recognition of excellence in agricultural transformation across Nigeria. He remarked on CAGE's emphasis on climate-smart agriculture, agropreneurship, and para-extension training, which is improving productivity nationwide. Prof. Christopher Eze, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the urgency of Nigeria's food security priorities. He acknowledged Africa's long history of agricultural innovation and the resilience of farmers and researchers. Eze warned that Nigeria's food systems are under increasing pressure from climate shocks, economic instability, and population growth, and he praised CAGE's plan to train 1,000 extension workers and 3,000 farmers across all states and the FCT. Other awardees included governors from Osun, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, and Niger, as well as the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari. NAN reports that the ceremony also featured exhibitions, panel discussions, and investment dialogues promoting sustainable agricultural development.