HON. EMMANUEL ISHABOR FLAGS OFF MAIZE PLANTING PROJECT IN OGOJA.
In line with one of his cardinal objectives of repositioning Agriculture and keying into the Green Money initiative of the Governor Ben Ayade led state government agricultural revolution in Cross River State,as well as to reposition the economy of the the people of Ogoja Local Governmemt Area, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor, the Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, flagged off the hybrid maize planting project today, 8th July 2020.
The flag-off which was attended by so many sons and daughters of Ogoja, had in attendance the Paramount Ruler of Ogoja, Ntol George Nsor Ibembem and his council of chiefs, the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. Sarah Amu, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Cyril Abang and his councillors, former Chairman of Ogoja Chief Sylvanus Idam, Ogoja Chapter Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Paul Adinye, Dr Ikani Wogar, Special Advisers to the Governor, DGs of Boards, Board members, numerous appointees of State Government, the non-indigene community and representatives of United Nations.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony which took place at the council secretariat, Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor said the maize farming project which is in collaboration with Siga farms limited and Tofamid Farms Limited, is an effort at diversifying economy of the people of Ogoja for growth and sustainability.
He stated that his administration will provide the enabling environment as well as funds, insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers needed for local farmers to strive.
Hon. Ishabor stressed the need for the farmers to take the opportunity created by council seriously, stating that committed farmers will continue to enjoy the patronage and support of his administration in bigger and better ways with regard to Agriculture.
On the part of Siga Farms, the Director Mr. Etuki Stephen in his presentation, intimated local farmers that Siga farms Limited, is an Agricultural establishment that aid farmers through government intervention into planting of hybrid maize for cultivation within 90 days.
Mr. Etuki assured farmers of the high productivity level of the hybrid maize and its resistance to pest. He thanked the Chairman for keying into the Federal Government and Cross River State Government Agricultural Agenda, and promised the Council boss of continuous synergy in other agricultural value chain for the people of Ogoja.
Speaking during the occasion, Mr. Woga Celestine, Assistant Manager Tofamid Farms Limited who are the potential buyers after harvest, encouraged farmers to take this gesture by council seriously assuring farmers of Tofamid's readiness to buy as much as 50 trailer loads of Maize every month.
On the part of farmers, Mr Iyaji David Agantem appreciated the Chairman of Council, Siga Farms and of course Tofamid Farms for coming to the aid of farmers at this period, he specifically on behalf of farmers, poured enconiums on Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor for starting in such a good light, assuring him that farmers will do their best not to betray the confidence reposed on them.
High point of the event was the presentation of the hybrid maize to 2000 farmers cut across the ten legislative council wards of Ogoja Local Government Area through their respective councillors.
