Cross River, Songhai Regional Centre Sign MoU On Agriculture

Cross River State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Songhai Regional Centre, Porto Novo, Benin Republic on agriculture with the view of boosting the sector to create jobs and wealth.

Special Adviser Investment Promotion, Mr. Gerald Ada signed on behalf of the State while the International Director of Songhai Regional Centre, Rev. Father Godfrey Nzamujo signed on behalf of the centre.

Governor Liyel Imoke said the agreement marks the commencement of an aggressive agricultural programme in the state aimed at creating job opportunities for young people as well as enable them acquire new skills that will add value to agriculture.

The programme, according to the governor, is expected to turn around agriculture in the state by increasing and ensuring that rural economy continues to grow.

He added that the partnership between the state and the company falls within the state’s policy thrust of strengthening the agricultural sector as the backbone of its economy.

Imoke remarked that the project will open a new vista to agriculture in terms of production and processing as it will impact on those involved.

He charged those that will be involved in the project to be committed as the government will give them strong support because the project has the potential of developing the economy that will create ultimate growth and wealth.

The governor pledged the state’s total commitment to the success of the project and hoped the partners will bring their wealth of experience to bear for the benefit of those that will be involved in it because the state stands to gain.

In his remarks, Rev Father Godfrey Nzamujo, who commended Imoke for the various programmes which the state has embarked upon to create jobs, wealth and youth empowerment, said the state’s approach to environmental issues was laudable.

Nzamijo disclosed that Songhai Regional Centre is an institution with varied background in technological agro services to create employment.

He said the Centre will work with the state to create opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship through its industrial park and promised that within three years, it will work tremendously to create impact in the state.

Special Adviser Investment Promotion, Mr. Gerald Ada, said Songhai Regional Centre has established presence in some states, turning them into incubation parks of excellence. Ada disclosed that the Centre has an impressive track record in the last 25 years and that the state has identified a hub in the central senatorial district for the scheme.