The Cross River State Government has agreed to partner with the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) to establish a centre in the state, with determination to strengthen oil palm value chain through scientific innovation, research and technology.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Cross River State Governor, Linus Obogo, indicated that Governor Bassey Otu approved the release of ₦355.31 million for the construction of the NIFOR outstation in Odukpani Local Government Area.
Obogo further indicated that the approval was sequel to the consideration of a memorandum presented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo at the State Executive Council meeting.
The statement reads: “The project is designed to strengthen agricultural research, scientific innovation and technology dissemination, while providing the infrastructure required to unlock Cross River’s vast potential in oil palm production and other agricultural value chains.”
According to the Spokesperson,Governor Otu said “the intervention reflected his administration’s determination to transform agriculture from largely subsistence activity into a modern, technology-driven sector capable of generating wealth, creating jobs and guaranteeing food security.”
Obogo noted that the Governor said, “Cross River cannot fully realise its agricultural potential without investing in the science, technology and infrastructure that drive modern agriculture.”
The spokesperson said that the Governor described NIFOR as an important platform for research into improved and climate-resilient oil palm varieties, effective disease management, specialised nursery development and modern agronomic practices capable of increasing productivity.
It noted that establishing an outstation aligned with the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and supports the resolutions of the 47th National Council on Agriculture on food security.
Obogo further stated that the council acknowledged Cross River State’s comparative advantage in the oil palm value chain.
He noted that “the Creek Town-Odukpani-Calabar agro-ecological corridor is strategically suited to hosting a major agricultural research and innovation hub capable of serving farmers and investors across the State and the wider South-South region.”
He said that Governor Otu expressed the hope that the project would have a strong youth employment component, saying, “our objective is not simply to construct another government facility.
“We are building an institution that will generate knowledge, support farmers, attract investors and create opportunities for our young people,” the Governor added.
