“The project will contribute greatly to the economic growth of Cross River State. Our people must wake up and tap into the benefits it offers,” he said.
By Emmanuel Ita
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme has intensified stakeholder engagement in Cross River State as part of efforts to expand the cultivation, processing, and value addition of cocoa, rice, and cassava.
The strategic engagement is aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains, boosting smallholder productivity, and driving sustainable agro-industrial development across the state. These objectives formed the focus of a one-day sensitisation workshop held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the State Library, Calabar.
Participants at the workshop were urged to harness the opportunities offered by the SAPZ initiative through targeted investments and collaborative action to improve food security and create employment, particularly in rural communities.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator, Rev Victor Edet, disclosed that the programme has so far raised about two million cocoa seedlings for distribution to farmers. He added that Cross River State is strategically aligning its agricultural development agenda with the anticipated economic benefits of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port.
“There are opportunities coming to Cross River State, and we must be prepared to position ourselves to take full advantage of them,” Edet said.
Also speaking, the Agricultural Productivity and Production Officer, Dr Bethel Ewung, described SAPZ as a key driver of job creation, regional development, and foreign exchange generation. According to him, the initiative integrates agriculture with industrial activities, commerce, and inclusive economic growth.
Technical presentations were delivered by the State Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Dr Felix Awara Eke, and the Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Lynda Cobham. They stressed that effective collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) is critical to building the institutional capacity required for comprehensive agricultural transformation.
They further noted that SAPZ currently operates an Agro-Industrial Hub in Adiabo, Odukpani Local Government Area, and an Agricultural Transformation Centre in Okuku, Ogoja Local Government Area. The implementation framework, they explained, is designed to ensure the inclusive participation of men, women, and young people in the state’s agricultural sector.
Speaking with journalists after the event, the State Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Dr Ramsey Edem Ndep, described the workshop as a major boost for cocoa farmers in the state.
“It is a valuable platform provided by Governor Bassey Otu to enhance cocoa production and processing. Farmers stand to benefit from access to inputs, processing facilities, and job opportunities,” he said.
Similarly, the President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Kelly Ayemba, said the initiative would significantly stimulate the local economy, urging residents to take advantage of the opportunities presented by SAPZ.
“The project will contribute greatly to the economic growth of Cross River State. Our people must wake up and tap into the benefits it offers,” he said.
The workshop concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session that provided participants with deeper technical insights into the programme. Attendees included representatives of manufacturing companies, financial institutions, regulatory agencies, security agencies, the media, and various commodity associations.
The SAPZ programme is a Federal Government initiative supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).