The Cross River State Government has approved ₦700 million in subsidies for the distribution of Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings to smallholder farmers across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Calabar. He said the approval was granted during the State Executive Council meeting as part of efforts to revive and expand coffee production in the state.
The decision follows a recent state-hosted conference on cocoa and coffee development, where authorities resolved to subsidise coffee seedlings from ₦1,000 to ₦300 per seedling, significantly easing the burden on farmers.
Governor Bassey Otu, who presided over the meeting, also directed the Ministry of Education to embark on a state-wide shutdown of illegal and unaccredited schools. According to Ekpang, the move aims to uphold educational standards and address the alarming spread of unlicensed institutions in line with quality assurance regulations.
In the tourism sector, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revamping all major tourism sites in the state to meet global standards and attract more visitors.
To this end, a technical committee led by tourism expert Mr. Fidelis Ugbo has been inaugurated to rejuvenate the NorthFest Cultural Festival, elevating it to a prominent position on the state’s tourism calendar.
“The 2025 Christmas Festival, themed ‘Traces of Time’, will be the last edition funded directly by the state,” Ekpang added. “Our current revitalisation drive is already attracting sponsorship deals that will eventually offset government funding and reduce financial strain on the state.”
He further announced that the State Executive Council had approved ₦18 billion for investment in the Sustainable Tourism Transformation Initiatives.
The fund will be used for comprehensive infrastructure upgrades at key tourist attractions, including Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.
Other planned projects include the rehabilitation of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa, construction of a Pier Harbour, launch of the “Experience Calabar” tour brand, and the creation of a Heritage Market for arts and crafts.
