Gov, Bassey Otu wins the Best Governor Award in Food Security for innovative agricultural initiatives strengthening Cross River’s food systems
Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has received the Best Governor Award in Food Security at the Africa Food Heroes Awards held in Abuja on Thursday.
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The ceremony, organised by the Centre for Agropreneurship and Green Economy (CAGE), recognises individuals and institutions advancing agriculture and food security across Nigeria.
Hajiya Balaraba Abdulahi, a member of CAGE’s Board of Trustees, described the event as a moment of national reflection, emphasising that agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and food sovereignty.
She noted that the award celebrates governors, policymakers, farmers, researchers, and agripreneurs driving agricultural transformation.
Abdulahi highlighted that awardees, including Gov. Otu, had achieved major milestones such as the wide distribution of farm inputs, rehabilitation of access roads, and promotion of staple crops like rice, maize, cassava, ginger, and wheat, alongside export commodities such as cocoa and oil palm.
She praised innovative programmes in Cross River, including Project Grow, the Commercial Agriculture Development Fund, and partnerships with research institutions and NGOs.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Johnson Ebokpo, who received the award on behalf of Gov. Otu, dedicated the recognition to God.
He commended the organisers for a transparent and democratic selection process and said the award would motivate the state to further strengthen its agricultural sector and food security efforts.
Prof. Walter Binang, former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Calabar, described the award as a distinguished recognition of excellence in agricultural transformation.
Prof. Christopher Eze, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, emphasised that Nigeria’s food systems face increasing pressure from climate change, economic instability, and population growth, describing the awardees as “quiet architects” of resilient and affordable food systems.
Other award recipients included the governors of Osun, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, and Niger States, as well as the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
The event featured exhibitions, panel discussions, and investment dialogues promoting sustainable agricultural development nationwide.
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In a related development, PUNCH Online reported that the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Peter Undiandeye, distributed 1,000 bags of fertiliser, agrochemicals, seedlings, and financial support to farmers in November 2025, further strengthening local food production and supply.
