Gov. Bassey Otu.
By Anietie Akpan
The long abandoned Songhai Farm in Itigidi, Abi Local Government Area (LGA), the Starch-making plant in Ochon, Obubra LGA and others in Cross River State will soon be reactivated.
This is consistent with Governor Bassey Otu’s effort to consolidate on his administration’s policy on developing and revitalizing the agricultural sector in Cross River State.
A release dated February 15, from his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, said Governor Otu, at weekend visited the Songhai Farms and other related industries as part of the projects’ inspection in the Central and Northern Senatorial Zones of the State.
At Songhai Farms and the Starch-making plant where he was provided with firsthand insights into the situation and challenges of these initiatives that are capable of strengthening the state’s agricultural sector and driving industrialization.
Governor Otu at Songhai Farms, expressed regret over the near-moribund state of the facility and demanded a reactivation plan that will bring the facility to full-scale production and operation.
He also announced the imminent opening of the Nge Farms beach within the coming week, alongside plans to finalize a winning bid for its further development.
At the Starch-making plant in Ochon, the Governor observed that while the facility is designed to operate three production lines, only one production line has been put in place.
He emphasized the need to attract investors and strategic partners for effective reactivation that will ensure the plant operates at full scale.
The facility is expected to play a vital role in state’s industrialization efforts by producing high-quality starch and glucose syrup, particularly for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Moreover, as part of a broader agricultural investment strategy, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to oil palm development, noting that the government is actively supporting smallholder farmers in establishing palm plantations, a move aimed at fostering economic resilience at the grassroots level.
This initiative, he said, aligns with the state’s long-term sustainability goals, which focus on boosting local production and enhancing Cross River’s standing in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Speaking on the Starch-making plant, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, provided additional insights, stating that prospective project partners are showing interest in investing in the plant.
He highlighted the plant’s capacity to manufacture high-quality glucose syrup and starch for various industrial applications. While only one production line is currently installed, discussions are ongoing with prospective partners to ensure reactivation and expand production capacity.
By leveraging public-private partnerships and fostering innovation, the government aims to position agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.
