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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has inaugurated the Governing Council of the Cross River State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra, with a charge to members to drive innovation, research and ethical governance in advancing agricultural education and food security.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the State Executive Chambers in Calabar, he emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy and a key driver of employment, industrialisation and poverty reduction.
“Agriculture is the mainstay of our State’s economy and a unique sector that can lift our people out of multidimensional poverty because of its boundless value-chain potentials and food security guarantee,” the governor stated.
In another move to expand the frontiers of government’s responsibility and ensure citizens across all strata benefit directly from the state’s development agenda, Governor Otu has also unveiled a landmark welfare initiative, Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP)
He said the initiative emerged from the need to cushion the pressure of dwindling resources through an integrated approach, involving the government, the private sector, the manufacturers and the people themselves. “In times when resources are limited,” he explained, “the only sustainable path forward is to strengthen shared responsibility, where energy, enterprise and empathy converge for the common good.”
The governor emphasised that the new programme would touch every corner of the state, deepening the impact of his administration’s People First philosophy. “This is not just another policy; it is a people-centred covenant,” he said. “Through the Cross River Social Investment Programme, we are ensuring that the benefits of governance seep into every household, particularly among the less privileged and those facing sanitation and welfare challenges.”
Meanwhile, Gov. Otu has described the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology as a vital institution for producing middle-level manpower that would sustain the State’s agricultural transformation agenda. The Governor therefore urged the new Governing Council to “hit the ground running” by formulating strategic policies to enhance academic excellence and foster research-driven solutions in agriculture.
“Today’s world is driven by innovation and technology. You must encourage research that increases crop yield, reduces labour intensity, maximizes land use, and drives the agricultural revolution in our state.”
The governor tasked the Council to identify both short and long-term infrastructural needs for government consideration, while stressing that financial transparency and community harmony must guide their administration.
“My government is anchored on ethical governance; financial probity must be your watchword,” he charged. “You are expected to account for every fund allocated to your institution.”
He also called for cordial relations between the College and its host community, urging proactive engagement and patronage of local services such as security, cleaning, and gardening to strengthen community cooperation.
Responding on behalf of the Council and management, the Chairman, Prof. Gertrude Njar, expressed thanked the governor for the trust reposed in them, describing their appointment as a favour with quantum of grace. “We assure you that we will approach this assignment with dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment.”
Prof. Njar commended Governor Otu for the swift passage of the College of Agriculture (Amendment) Bill, which upgraded the institution to a College of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, describing the legislative process as “record-breaking and unprecedented.”
She highlighted the vast potentials of the College in agro-based ventures such as poultry, fish, honey, and snail farming, as well as grasscutter rearing, all of which, she said, could boost the State’s internally generated revenue and enhance youth training and employment.
“The College has the potential to contribute immensely to environmental sustainability through tree planting, which will improve forest cover, reduce carbon emissions, and mitigate ozone layer depletion.”
Njar appealed to the governor to address key infrastructural and logistical challenges facing the institution, including poor funding, dilapidated buildings, lack of vehicles, electricity, water supply, and accommodation for staff and students.
“Of about 15 existing buildings, only two are not leaking,” she lamented. “There is no electricity on campus, the generators are grounded, and water supply is grossly inadequate. We appeal for urgent intervention to enable us function effectively.”
Prof. Njar assured the Governor that the Council would not disappoint the confidence reposed in it and pledged to work in alignment with the administration’s ethical governance principles and agricultural development vision.
The Council has Sir Bebia Ekpang and Lazarus Izabi-Undie as members. The institution’s management team is under the leadership of Prof. Irom Okey, Rector, alongside Dr. Gabriel Osang, Registrar; Mr. Ignatius Ugbeshe, Bursar; Dr. Veronica Adinya, Librarian; Joseph Eyamba, Director of Physical Planning; and Melody Abeng, Director of Works.
Under the CRSIP, two key committees are to be constituted. The first, known as the Cross-Value and Partnership Committee, will coordinate multi-sectoral projects that address the peculiar needs of various social groups. Governor Otu said the committee would “serve as a bridge of collaboration between government and society, harnessing value chains and partnerships that empower people to thrive in dignity.”
The second committee to be called Project UOPE (Universal Opportunity Programme for Empowerment) will provide renewed hope and purpose for the elderly and vulnerable members of society. “Our elders deserve to live their twilight years with pride and comfort. Through Project UOPE, we will restore not only their livelihoods but also their sense of belonging and value within our communities.”
Each of the committees will comprise a chairman and eight members drawn from diverse sectors, reflecting balance, inclusivity and merit. According to the governor, “every member of these committees will be chosen based on integrity, compassion and competence; not on politics or privilege.”
Governor Otu further directed that both committees should identify 50 youths and 50 adults in every ward across the state, cutting across political, gender and ethnic boundaries. “This process will be transparent, fair and purely merit-driven,” he assured. “We will ensure that every Cross Riverian, irrespective of creed, status or political leaning, has a stake in this transformative journey.”
The governor also underscored the importance of gender balance, stating that equal representation of men and women would be non-negotiable. “A society cannot stand on one leg,” he said. “For development to be sustainable, both men and women must walk hand in hand, building together, dreaming together and succeeding together.”
He said the Cross River Social Investment Programme embodies his administration’s unyielding devotion to human development and inclusive governance. “This is what the People First agenda truly means,” he declared. “It is about governance that listens, leadership that serves and progress that touches every life. With CRSIP, we are building not just a stronger economy but a fairer and more compassionate society.”
