Gov Otu Inaugurates Cross River Agriculture Council, Charges Members on Innovation and Accountability
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, has officially inaugurated the Governing Council of the Cross River State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra, charging the newly appointed members to embrace innovation, transparency, and research-driven strategies that will strengthen agricultural education and food security across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the State Executive Chambers in Calabar, Governor Otu emphasised that agriculture remains the cornerstone of Cross River’s economy and one of the most reliable channels to tackle unemployment and poverty.
“Agriculture is the mainstay of our State’s economy and a vital sector capable of lifting our people out of multidimensional poverty due to its extensive value-chain opportunities and its guarantee for food security,” Otu stated, as reported by Akahi News.
Otu’s Vision for Agricultural Transformation
According to Akahi News, the Governor noted that the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology plays a critical role in training middle-level manpower required to sustain the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He urged the newly inaugurated Council to “hit the ground running” by designing innovative policies that will enhance research capacity, academic excellence, and practical solutions to modern agricultural challenges.
“Today’s world is driven by technology and innovation,” Otu said. “You must encourage research that improves crop yield, reduces labour intensity, and maximises land utilisation while advancing agricultural revolution in our State.”
Governor Otu further directed the Council to identify immediate and long-term infrastructural needs for government intervention. He stressed that the Council’s operations must be rooted in financial transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
“My administration stands for probity and transparency,” the Governor declared. “Every fund allocated to your institution must be accounted for. You are to run this institution with integrity and professionalism.”
Strengthening Community Relations and Local Development
In addition to institutional reforms, Governor Otu urged the Governing Council to strengthen relationships with the host community, encouraging the College to patronise local services such as security, cleaning, and maintenance.
Akahi News gathered that the Governor believes strong collaboration between the College and the community will foster peace, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
“Let the host community feel the impact of the College,” Otu advised. “Use local human resources wherever possible. It is part of our strategy to build community trust and shared prosperity.”
Council Promises Commitment, Calls for Infrastructure Support
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated Council, Professor Gertrude Njar, the Chairperson, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the confidence reposed in them. She described the appointment as “a favour with quantum of grace,” assuring that the Council would discharge its duties with utmost dedication and diligence.
“We are eternally grateful to Your Excellency for finding us worthy to serve,” Prof. Njar said. “We promise to work diligently and uphold the principles of innovation, discipline, and accountability.”
She commended Governor Otu for the swift passage of the College of Agriculture (Amendment) Bill, which upgraded the institution into a College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, describing the move as “record-breaking and unprecedented.”
Prof. Njar also highlighted the College’s vast potential in agro-based ventures such as poultry, fish, honey, snail, and grasscutter farming, which she said could significantly enhance the State’s internally generated revenue and create employment for youths.
“The College is strategically positioned to contribute to environmental sustainability through tree planting and eco-friendly practices that mitigate climate change,” she added in a statement obtained by Akahi News.
Appeal for Urgent Government Intervention
Despite the optimism, Prof. Njar used the occasion to draw attention to the infrastructural decay and poor funding of the institution. She appealed to the government to address pressing challenges such as lack of electricity, water supply, and staff accommodation.
“Out of about 15 existing buildings, only two are not leaking,” she lamented. “We have no electricity; our generators are grounded; and water supply is grossly inadequate. We appeal for urgent intervention so we can function effectively.”
She reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to align its operations with Governor Otu’s ethical governance agenda and promised not to betray the trust placed in them.
Council Composition and Next Steps
The newly constituted Governing Council, chaired by Prof. Gertrude Njar, also includes Sir Bebia Ekpang and Barr. Lazarus Izabi-Undie as members. The College’s management team is led by Prof. Irom Okey (Rector), alongside Dr. Gabriel Osang (Registrar), Mr. Ignatius Ugbeshe (Bursar), Dr. Veronica Adinya (Librarian), Engr. Joseph Eyamba (Director of Physical Planning), and Engr. Melody Abeng (Director of Works).
As Akahi News reports, the new leadership is expected to immediately commence a needs assessment, develop a comprehensive policy framework for academic and infrastructural renewal, and ensure that the institution becomes a centre of excellence in agricultural research and technology within the South-South region.
Governor Otu’s renewed push for agricultural innovation underscores his administration’s broader agenda of industrial diversification, youth empowerment, and food sustainability — a vision that, if well executed, could place Cross River State among Nigeria’s leading agricultural hubs.
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