Gov. Bassey Otu Inaugurates Governing Council of Cross River College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra — Tasks Members on Innovation, Accountability, and Food Security
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Otu, has officially inaugurated the Governing Council of the Cross River State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra, with a clear directive for members to prioritize innovation, research, and ethical governance in advancing agricultural education and ensuring food security across the state.

According to CrossRiverWatch.com, the inauguration ceremony, held recently at the State Executive Chambers in Calabar, drew key government officials, academics, and stakeholders from the agricultural sector. Governor Otu, while addressing the gathering, reaffirmed that agriculture remains the backbone of Cross River’s economy and a central driver of employment creation, industrialisation, and poverty reduction.

Agriculture as the Backbone of Cross River’s Development

Speaking passionately about his administration’s agricultural vision, Governor Otu emphasised that the State’s prosperity depends on the productive capacity of its agricultural sector.

“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,” he said.

The Governor described the College as a strategic institution that will help build the human capacity needed to sustain Cross River’s agricultural transformation agenda. He urged the Governing Council to “hit the ground running” by developing policies that enhance academic excellence, research, and innovation in agricultural science and technology.

Call for Innovation, Transparency, and Community Engagement

Governor Otu charged the new Council to drive research that promotes modern farming techniques, improved crop yield, and efficient land utilisation. He noted that technological innovation must be the hallmark of agricultural education in the state if Cross River intends to achieve long-term food security and industrial growth.

“Today’s world is driven by innovation and technology,” he stated. “You must encourage research that increases crop yield, reduces labour intensity, maximizes land use, and drives the agricultural revolution in our State.”

He also stressed the importance of financial probity and transparency, insisting that every fund allocated to the institution must be accounted for. The Governor urged the Council to maintain cordial relations with the host community, promoting local employment and patronage of community-based services such as security, cleaning, and maintenance.

“My government is anchored on ethical governance,” Otu declared. “Financial transparency and accountability must be your watchwords. You are expected to account for every naira entrusted to your care.”

Council Chairman Commends Governor Otu’s Leadership

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated Council, Prof. Gertrude Njar, the Chairman, expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for the confidence reposed in them, describing the appointment as “a favour with a quantum of grace.”

She applauded the Governor’s decisive leadership and his support for the College of Agriculture (Amendment) Bill, which elevated the institution to the College of Agriculture, Science, and Technology. Prof. Njar described the legislative process as “record-breaking and unprecedented,” adding that it reflects the Governor’s commitment to educational advancement and sustainable development.

“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,” she said.

Infrastructural Challenges and Call for Support

However, Prof. Njar highlighted several challenges confronting the institution, including poor infrastructure, limited funding, lack of vehicles, power supply issues, and inadequate staff and student accommodation.

“Out 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 to function effectively.”

Despite these challenges, the Chairman assured that the Governing Council would remain committed to the Governor’s vision of ethical governance and agricultural transformation, pledging to deliver measurable results through innovative policies and transparent management.

Akahi News Insight

Akahi News notes that the Governor’s decision to revitalise the College’s Governing Council aligns with his broader “People First” agenda, which seeks to reposition agriculture as the engine of inclusive growth in Cross River State. Analysts who spoke with Akahi News believe that by merging science, technology, and agriculture under one institutional framework, the state is preparing for a new era of agro-industrial revolution.

Experts also observed that the Governor’s emphasis on transparency and research-driven agricultural innovation mirrors his administration’s efforts to rebuild public trust and attract investments into rural communities. Akahi News gathered that the College could soon serve as a training hub for agritech innovations, climate-smart farming, and youth empowerment programmes across the state.

As Cross River State moves to strengthen its agricultural base, the newly inaugurated Governing Council of the College of Agriculture, Science, and Technology, Obubra, is expected to play a crucial role in transforming the state into a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria and the wider West African region.

Credit: CrossRiverWatch.com
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