The Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and International Fund for Agricultural Development Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (FGN/NDDC/IFAD-LIFE ND) have distributed starter packs to at least 630 beneficiaries in Cross River.
The distribution took place on Thursday in Calabar during the graduation ceremony for the first batch of the additional financing phase of the project in Cross River.
It was reported that 250 individuals received cash support, while 380 received agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and agrochemicals.
Dr. Abiodun Sanni, the National Project Coordinator, thanked the Cross River Government for its commitment to agricultural development. He stated that the state had deliberately identified agriculture as a key driver of wealth creation and youth employment.
Sanni also commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, IFAD, and NDDC for their dedication to the project’s success. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the packages properly, describing them as seed capital for future prosperity.
“We will continue to monitor your progress, providing advisory, financial, and technical support through our digital platforms,” he said. Sanni further encouraged beneficiaries to join cooperative groups to enhance productivity and access support services.
Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, the Cross River Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, described the beneficiaries as “new agri-preneurs” and urged them to be prepared to drive food security and economic growth. Represented by Dr. Odey Ikongha, the Permanent Secretary, Ebokpo stated that the program would strengthen rice, cassava, poultry, and fish value chains across the state.
He emphasized that agriculture has become a strategic economic activity capable of reducing unemployment and improving livelihoods. The commissioner advised beneficiaries not to divert funds and inputs to non-farming activities.
Earlier, Mr. Innocent Ogbin explained that beneficiaries were selected through transparent advertisements and community-based screening processes.
Mr. Bassey Emogor, the Programme Manager of the Agriculture Development Programme in Cross River, urged beneficiaries to treat farming as a business and not to sell the inputs. He added that monitoring teams would track their progress across communities.
The event included certificate presentations, inputs distribution, and cash disbursements across the 10 Local Government Areas involved in the project. Some beneficiaries pledged to use the support wisely to generate further wealth.
