The Managing Director Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA), Engr Bassey Nkposong, has called on Nigerian youths to heed President Bola Tinubu’s call for a return to farming as a national emergency on food security.
Nkposong made the call in Calabar at the end of an empowerment programme in which youth were trained in fish farming, modern crop production and animal husbandry.
“Instead of waiting for a white collar jobs, our youths should heed Mr President’s appeal to return to farming. To me, we should regard farming as a national emergency to boost our food security. Agriculture could even pay you better than some white collar jobs,” he stated.
Engr Nkposong further lauded participants for their dedication to the training, and expressed optimism that their efforts would yield a multiplier effect in the near future.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Cross River state’s Commissioner for Crop and Irrigation, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, affirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting agricultural development.
Under the leadership of Gov Bassey Otu, he said, agriculture would be given topmost priority. He commended the Basin Authority for providing a strong platform for a solid foundation in agriculture.
Ebokpo said: “The mini Songhai farms in the Cross River Basin Authority is a ready reference point for youths who intend to go into agro business. Rather than go to Port Harcourt or Port Novo, the integrated farming concept we have witnessed here should be embraced.”
Also speaking, the director overseeing Finance and Administration in the basin authority, Dr Jackson John, said with the support of the Cross River State government for the program, its sustainability was guaranteed.”