FG establishes Songhai farm in Cross River

The Federal Government, through the Cross River Basin Development Authority, is to establish a Songhai Model Integrated Farming System in the State, and had also promised to do same in Akwa Ibom state two weeks ago.

In Cross River State, the Managing Director of the Authority, Bassey Nkposong, said the farm will be sited at the Mbiabo Ikoneto Community, as Government is ready to change the mindset of the youth towards a conscious appreciation of Agriculture, as a way out of Nigeria’s economic woes.

He said the Project would engage women, youths, and unemployed graduates from the Community, noting that the Authority was not buying land from the community, but partnering with them with a view to adding value and improving farms productivity.

While appreciating the Mbiabo Ikoneto Community for accepting to host the Authority, the Managing Director, said when the formal Memorandum of Understanding is signed; the terms of engagement would be spelt out for the smooth take-off of the Project.

The Clan Head of Mbiabo, and former Minister of Finance, Etubom Anthony Ani, expressing support for the Agricultural Diversification Programme, said Nigeria’s present economic realities have opened the eyes of many to see Agriculture as the way forward in the country’s quest for self sufficiency.

Ani commended the Authority for its gesture, saying, his community is ready to take advantage of the programme to partner with it in the development of the land.

He assured that the community would not only support the Authority, but will also ensure that a conducive working environment is created for the smooth operation of the scheme.

He called for the inclusion of women and youths in the scheme, as a way to arrest poverty and unemployment in the area and the state in general.