Cross River Governor resolves to engage women in Agriculture
The Executive Governor of Crooss River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has restated his government’s readiness to empower women in the agricultural value chain to improve food production.
Earlier, the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, announced that the state will be using agriculture as a means to empower women and alleviate poverty.
This deliberate measure aims to tap into the vast potential of agriculture and reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocation.
Speaking at the 2023 Apiapum New Yam Festivals in Apiapum, Obubra Local Government Area, Irom emphasized the transformative power of agriculture in the socio-economic landscape of the state.
By fully harnessing the opportunities in agriculture, Cross River can break free from its over-reliance on federal allocation and create a sustainable and prosperous future.
Agriculture has long been recognized as a key sector for economic development and poverty reduction. It provides employment opportunities, boosts food security, and contributes to the overall growth of the economy.
By focusing on agriculture, Cross River State aims to empower women, who are often disproportionately affected by poverty, and provide them with the means to improve their livelihoods.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs highlighted the immense potential that agriculture holds for the state. Cross River is blessed with fertile land, a favorable climate, and abundant natural resources, making it well-suited for agricultural activities.
By investing in agriculture and providing the necessary support and resources, the state can unlock this potential and create a thriving agricultural sector.
According to Hon. Irom, he said, “Given our comparative advantage as an agrarian state, Governor Bassey Otu, has already put machinery in motion to mobilize resources to modernize agriculture and make farming more attractive for better revenue earnings to both
the farmers and government”
Yam festivals have always been a significant part of the cultural fabric of many communities in Nigeria. These festivals not only celebrate the bountiful harvest of yams, a staple crop in the region, but also serve as a platform for fostering camaraderie, strengthening family bonds, and promoting community unity.
Governor Otu assured the women, who constitute the majority of farmers in the area, that their hard work would soon be rewarded. He announced that his government would be implementing a palliative initiative to support these women by providing them with improved seedlings and tubers.
For these women, who toil day in and day out to cultivate yams, this announcement brings a glimmer of hope.
Improved seedlings and tubers can significantly enhance their yield, leading to better gains from their labor. This initiative not only recognizes their contribution to the agricultural sector but also aims to uplift their economic status.
Yam farming has traditionally been a male-dominated occupation, with women often playing a supporting role in the process.
However, in recent years, there has been a shift, with more women actively participating in farming activities. These women have proven their mettle, showcasing their dedication and resilience in the face of numerous challenges.
By providing them with improved seedlings and tubers, the government is not only empowering these women but also acknowledging their crucial role in food production. This initiative will not only boost their confidence but also encourage more women to actively engage.
However, she advised women in the state to form cooperative societies, to help them access government-sponsored facilities for capital and modern agricultural inputs to increase crop productivity.
“”Senator Bassey placed a high premium on agriculture with the introduction of high breed seedlings and tubers that will bring better yields, reduce harvest time, and give our women more money. Of course once a woman is empowered, the household will be touched for better and more decent livelihood,” she emphasized”
“Government will leverage on platforms like this and other social gathering of women to educate them on the need to venture into active agriculture and empower them with improved seedlings and tubers for maximum economic gains.”
Regarding the importance of the annual festival which was well attended by her friends and colleagues, Commissioner Irom stated, “The event is a wake-up call to the fact that as we celebrate today, we will go back to till the farm again after this season because if don’t take that deliberate step to go back, there will be no celebration next year””
“This gathering also reminds us that the yam which is the king of all crops should not go into extinction but rather be given prominent 0pace as one of the widely used stable food 8n Nigeria and Africa at large”
Similarly, the Commissioner of Commerce, Mrs. Abigail Duke, thanked the people of Apiapuma for organizing a colorful event that showcased the rare cultural icons of the community and Obubra in general, and called for the people of Apiapum to continue to be united to attract meaningful development to the area.
The Commerce Commissioner used the chance to announce the government’s plan to commercialize agriculture in the state and called on more women and youths to join Governor Otu’s boat of the agricultural revolution, which she concluded would set sail soon to improve their livelihood.
“”Obubra is well endowed with arable land suitable for the cultivation of rice, maize, cassava, and yam and we are ready to harness this great potential to improve the living conditions of our rural dwellers and transform our dear state through the export of the produce,” she said.
The small community of Apiapum was filled with joy and excitement as they recently hosted a remarkable event. The occasion was graced by government functionaries, which brought immense happiness to the clan head, His Royal Highness, Ovarr Robert Mbina Ajom.
The event was made possible through the efforts of Hon. Edema Irom, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and the daughter of the clan head. Her dedication and commitment to her community were evident as she ensured the presence of government officials at the event.
The clan head, overwhelmed by the presence of government functionaries, expressed his gratitude to everyone who attended the occasion. He acknowledged the efforts of the organizers, who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.
Ajom called on the state government to help farmers make a living by providing modern farming equipment as well as improved seedlings and tubers to improve crop yields in the next farming season.
“”Let me also use this opportunity to appeal to the government to make other farming inputs like fertilizer, and pesticide readily available at affordable rates to assist our farmers for a better harvest next farming season,” the elated traditional Ruler stressed.
The presence of government officials at such a small community event is a testament to the commitment of the government to reach out to every corner of the country. It shows that no community is too small or insignificant to receive attention and support from the government.
The event itself was a celebration of the community’s culture and traditions. It showcased the rich heritage of Apiapum, with various cultural performances, traditional dances, and local delicacies. The community members were proud to share their customs and traditions with the government officials and other attendees.
The presence of government functionaries also provided an opportunity for the community to voice their concerns and needs. The clan head and other community leaders had the chance to engage with the officials, discussing issues that affect their community and seeking solutions.
celebration of culture, tradition, and unity in the Apiapum community.
The Apiapum New Yam Festival is an annual event celebrated by the Apiapum people of Nigeria. It is a significant occasion that serves as a celebration of culture, tradition, and unity within the community. The festival is held to mark the beginning of the harvest season and to give thanks to their gods for a bountiful harvest.
The New Yam Festival is a time of great joy and excitement for the Apiapum people. It is a time when families come together to celebrate the abundance of the harvest and to give thanks for the blessings received throughout the year.
The festival is usually held in September every year, depending on the local agricultural calendar.
One of the highlights of the Apiapum New Yam Festival is the ceremonial presentation of the new yYam The yam is considered a staple food in Apiapum culture and is highly revered.
During the festival, the yams are harvested and brought to the village square, where they are displayed colorfully and elaborately. The yams are then blessed by the village chief or a designated elder, who offers sacrifices and prayers to their gods for a successful harvest.
The festival is also marked by various cultural performances and activities. Traditional dances, music, and masquerades are performed to entertain the community and to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Apiapum people of Obubra Local Government area of Cross River State.
The festival provides an opportunity for young people to learn about their enormous cultural heritage.
WRITTEN BY: AKPAN WILLIAMS, CALABAR CORRESPONDENT
