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Cross River Advances Agricultural Traceability to Boost Investment, Exports
The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a technology-driven, transparent and globally competitive agricultural sector through the institutionalisation of the State Agricultural Traceability System.
The government said the initiative is aimed at strengthening investor confidence, enhancing food security, improving market access and positioning Cross River’s agricultural commodities for premium domestic and international markets.
The commitment was reinforced during a high-level strategic meeting in Calabar attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo; Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Rt. Hon. Deacon George O’ben-Etchi; Chairman of the Multi-Stakeholder Committee on Cocoa, Coffee and Oil Palm, Prof. Susan Ohen; Director-General of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA), Mr. William Archibong; and officials of Pula Advisors, the implementing partners of the project.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Governor Peter Odey described agriculture as the cornerstone of the state’s economic diversification agenda and reaffirmed Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s commitment to initiatives that deliver measurable socio-economic benefits.
The Pula Advisors delegation was led by Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thomas Njeru, alongside Commercial Director, Mr. Sukirti Vinayale, and Country Director, Dr. Michael Enahoro.
Dr. Enahoro said the partnership would directly benefit farmers by improving access to finance and premium markets through reliable agricultural data.
“We are proud to support Cross River in building a system that puts farmers first. With verifiable data and traceability, our farmers can now access finance, premium markets and global opportunities that were previously out of reach,” he said.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of the project and developed a transition framework that will gradually transfer the management of the Agricultural Traceability System to the Cross River State Government, ensuring long-term institutional sustainability.
Officials said the initiative is designed to transform Cross River into Nigeria’s leading destination for digitally enabled agriculture by promoting transparency, accountability and internationally accepted traceability standards throughout the agricultural value chain.
The system will provide digital identities for farmers, geo-referenced farm mapping, commodity tracking, production records and value-chain intelligence. It is also expected to improve planning, facilitate access to finance, strengthen food safety compliance, support climate-smart agriculture and expand export opportunities.
Deputy Governor Odey stressed that digital innovation and institutional reforms are critical to attracting investment, expanding internally generated revenue, creating jobs and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
He assured Pula Advisors of the state’s continued support through enabling policies, institutional coordination and sustained commitment to the successful implementation of the project.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, described the traceability system as a strategic governance tool that would improve data integrity, strengthen farmer inclusion, enhance commodity competitiveness and boost investor confidence.
He disclosed that Cross River has achieved compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), positioning the state ahead of many sub-national governments in meeting international market requirements.
“Traceability is no longer optional; it is becoming an indispensable requirement in modern agriculture as global markets continue to demand greater transparency, sustainability and product authenticity,” he said.
Ebokpo added that the initiative would strengthen Cross River’s competitiveness in regional and international markets while supporting the state’s vision of building a modern, climate-smart and investment-friendly agricultural economy.
Pula Advisors Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Njeru, commended the Cross River State Government for its commitment to digital agricultural transformation and expressed confidence in the state’s ability to sustain the programme through local ownership and institutional capacity development.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Cross River through technical expertise and knowledge transfer to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.
Officials said the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, the Forestry Commission, CRGIA and international partners would drive innovation, strengthen agricultural governance and promote economic growth.
They added that the institutionalisation of the Agricultural Traceability System aligns with Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s People First Agenda by promoting technology-driven agriculture, enhancing export opportunities, improving food security and creating sustainable wealth for the people of Cross River State.
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ENGR. BELLO BABAYO BELLO FELICITATES VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA ON RENOMINATION
Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, Executive Director (Networks) of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on his renomination as the Vice Presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In his message, Engr. Bello described the renomination as a beautiful affirmation of the Vice President’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and prosperity. He noted that Senator Shettima, himself a former Senator of the Federal Republic, has consistently embodied resilience, foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that continue to inspire confidence across the nation.
“This renomination is a shining testament to your unwavering dedication to the Nigerian people,” Engr. Bello stated. “It reflects the trust of the party and the citizens in your ability to guide our country toward greater progress, peace, and prosperity. Your leadership has been a beacon of hope, and this endorsement is richly deserved.”
Engr. Bello further emphasized that Senator Shettima’s political journey has been marked by courage and service. From his tenure as Governor of Borno State to his current role as Vice President, he has consistently championed initiatives that address national challenges, foster economic growth, and promote inclusive development.
As a leader in the power sector, Engr. Bello highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in driving infrastructure and energy reforms. He expressed confidence that Senator Shettima’s continued role in government will further strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver reliable power, expand opportunities, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the Vice President wisdom, strength, and good health to continue serving the nation with distinction. “May Allah bless your efforts, guide your decisions, and grant you success as you carry forward the responsibility of leadership,” he added.
The message concluded with a reaffirmation of goodwill and support: “Congratulations once again, Your Excellency. We look forward to your continued contributions to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria.”
Signed:Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSEExecutive Director (Networks)Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)
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Former Perm. Sec Ahmad Tijjani Abdullahi Commends Gov.Yusuf Over The Nomination Of Murtala Garo As Running Mate
By Jabiru Hassan
A former Permanent Secretary in Kano State, Malam Ahmad Tijjani Abdullahi, has commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for nominating Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as his running mate for the 2027 general elections.
In a congratulatory message issued shortly after the announcement, Malam Ahmad Tijjani described the choice as “a bold and strategic decision” that reflects the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance and the progress of Kano State.
According to him, “The nomination of His Excellency, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor is a clear demonstration that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a true democrat whose policies and ideology are centered on the development of Kano State in this democratic dispensation..” He further stated: “I am confident that this partnership will bring real and positive changes to Kano politics.
Hon. Garo has the quality, experience, and determination to contribute his quota towards the progress of our dear state and its political landscape.” Malam Ahmad Tijjani expressed optimism that the people of Kano will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy under the joint leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Hon. Murtala Sule Garo.
He thanked the Governor for his visionary and people-oriented leadership, and congratulated Hon. Murtala Sule Garo on his nomination, praying that Allah grants them the wisdom and strength to deliver effective transformation for Kano State.
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Power Belongs to God, A Study of Solomon Akpulonu’s ” Ikemsinachi” philosophy
By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
Hon. Solomon Akpulonu’s, PDP’s candidate for Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa, and Ugwunagbo federal constituency, political philosophy that ” His Power Comes from God” will continue to attract attention and deep reflection among critical minds. This aligns with the scriptural adminitoon that ” the race is not for swiftest rather time and seasons define and determine outcomes of events under the sun.
This political philosophy is indeed apt and falls within the realms of recent ambition. The Bible contains several instances where people who sought power, position, or authority through pride, deceit, rebellion, or selfish ambition were ultimately thwarted by God.
Notable examples abound to this effect.One is the” Tower of Babel” episode as recorded in Genesis 11:1–9. Here, the people sought to build a tower that would reach heaven to make a name for themselves and establish human greatness independent of God. “Come, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name…” (Genesis 11:4). God confused their language and scattered them across the earth. The lesson is that human ambition that exalts itself above God will ultimately fail.
Another is the Korah, Dathan and Abiram experience as captured in Numbers 16.They challenged the God-given leadership of Moses and Aaron.Ye take too much upon you…”God thwarted their ambition by the earth opening and swallowing them and their followers. The lesson here is that God defends legitimate authority and opposes rebellious ambition.
Akpulonu’s Unique Selling Point (USP) is that all these while he has surrendered his ambitions within the realms of decent political ambition,unlike majority of political- power seekers who fire their ambitions beyond reasonable limits, fitting Thomas Wolsey’s charge to Cromwell to align his ambition within reasonable limits. Akpulonu’s alignment of his political- power ambition with the dictates and perfect will of God is a clear testing that” self- appointment can never replace God’s choice “. Indeed, power comes from God.” Ikesinachi!”
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