09/07/2025
*GOVERNOR OTU FLAGS OFF 30 MILLION COFFEE SEEDLINGS PLANTATION, DEPOSITIONS CROSS RIVER STATE AS NIGERIA’s COFFEE CAPITAL*
By Blessing Enagu
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has officially flagged off the cultivation of 30 million coffee seedlings across the state, describing the initiative as a bold step to revive and scale up coffee production in all 18 Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Calabar, Governor Otu described the project as a cornerstone of his administration’s “People First” agenda, which prioritizes sustainable development, economic diversification, and rural prosperity.
“This project is beyond seed distribution. It’s about creating jobs, attracting investment, restoring our environment, and building a thriving agro-industrial future,” the Governor said.
“We have always envisioned a Cross River where farmers are empowered, value chains are functional, and our produce is recognised both locally and globally”, he added.
Hailed as “The Champion of Nigeria’s Coffee Reformation,” Governor Otu emphasized that each coffee seedling represents the opportunity to put food on the table, add to the State’s GDP, and drive trade, value addition, and export.
The Governor further noted that the coffee initiative is directly aligned with the State’s 7-Year Strategic Development Plan for cocoa, oil palm, and coffee which was formulated by a multi-stakeholder committee to guide long-term interventions. The flag-off, he explained, is a practical expression of the Plan’s strategic pillars, which include farmer engagement, seedling distribution, and value chain development.
Governor Otu applauded the partnership with JR Farms, commending the company’s global footprint and technical expertise in the coffee value chain. He also extended an open invitation to other investors to explore the rich investment opportunities in Cross River’s agricultural sector.
