04/02/2026
Ogoja Council Chairman Commends Cross River State Government on Project GROW
The Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Christopher Agbeh, has commended the Cross River State Government for introducing people-oriented programmes aimed at boosting economic development across the state.
Chief Agbeh, who was represented by the Secretary of the Council, Chief Alex Atem, made the commendation during a one-day interactive session on Project GROW held for farmers, traditional rulers, and women groups in Ogoja Local Government Area. He described Project GROW as a timely initiative designed to reposition the agricultural sector for sustainable growth, noting that proper implementation would significantly improve farmers’ productivity and livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, the Agribusiness Manager of Project GROW, Dr. Peter Obuo, explained that the programme is structured to support farmers through the provision of improved farm inputs, agricultural mechanization, and assistance up to the point of sales of farm produce. He disclosed that the state government has secured a structured loan facility domiciled with Zenith Bank, stressing that the loan will not be physically disbursed to farmers. Instead, inputs will be directly deployed to beneficiaries to support agribusiness operations.
Dr. Obuo further revealed that the government plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with relevant stakeholders for digital services, adding that anticipated yields are expected to be high. According to him, the bank will be responsible for managing output to ensure sustainability and improved living standards for participating farmers.
Expressing the readiness of farmers in Ogoja to embrace the programme, the Paramount Ruler of Ogoja, His Royal Majesty, Oti Matthias Odey Abua, lauded the administration of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for implementing programmes aimed at reducing hardship and alleviating poverty among the people. The royal father urged farmers to always take advantage of government initiatives by cooperating, supporting, and partnering with government to achieve set goals.
The event was attended by the Project Director, Mr. Denis Ikpali, the Director PPDP of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Charles Ofolue, Mr. Timothy Udeme, Procurement Manager, Param Benson, Communication Officer as well as the Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Clement Oti; the Supervisor for Finance, Mr. Fidelis Atambi; the Special Assistant on Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Magbado; also clan heads, farmers, and women groups across the local government area.