Ukorebi Esien | January 22, 2026
ODUKPANI – In a strategic push to strengthen agricultural productivity and improve rural livelihoods, the Member representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Hon. Bassey Akiba, has supported the establishment of over 100 hectares of oil palm plantations across communities in Cross River State through a cooperative-driven livelihood support programme.
The intervention, which cuts across oil palm, cassava, fisheries, and poultry value chains, involves the distribution of high-yield palm seedlings and agricultural inputs to registered cooperative farmers, with a clear target of ensuring that each beneficiary cultivates at least one hectare of oil palm plantation.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Akiba disclosed that cooperative farmers received four 50kg bags of LBK 1515 fertilizer and 200 improved oil palm seedlings per cooperative, explaining that the seedlings were deliberately supplied above the required threshold to allow for replacement in case of losses.
> "Our target is that at least a cooperative farmer should have a hectare of oil palm plantation. For a hectare, what we know is that you need about 150 seedlings, but we are giving 200, just in case anything happens, so they can replace during the course of the farming season," he said.
According to the lawmaker, the programme is not a one-off distribution exercise but part of a broader livelihood support framework designed to ensure sustainability.
"We are not just giving them what we are giving today. We will continue to work with them to ensure that the farm stands, because our idea is that when we leave, this should continue," Akiba stated.
He further revealed that the intervention would extend to cassava cooperative farmers in Adiawo, while **fisheries and poultry cooperatives would receive similar support at the council headquarters in the coming days.
One of the beneficiaries, an oil palm farmer, described the support as timely and impactful.
> "This is a great improvement to my farm. I will add it to what I have planted before, and it will increase my hectares. I am very grateful for this gesture," the farmer said.
Also speaking at the event, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Edet Otu on General Duties, described the initiative as a strategic investment that aligns with the state government's People First agenda.
> "This is not just empowerment; it is investment. Whatever you affix to the soil will bring prosperity. This intervention will enhance productivity, improve food production, and ultimately strengthen livelihoods across the constituency," Barr. Akiba said.
He noted that the programme complements the agricultural vision of the Cross River State Government at all levels.
> "His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, is deeply committed to agriculture as a pathway to economic growth. What the Honourable Member is doing here is perfectly aligned with that vision, and it complements efforts at the state and local government levels," he added.
Barr. Akiba further urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the support, stressing that sustainable empowerment requires commitment from both government and the people.
"Empowerment must be multifaceted and sustained. The people must take this seriously so that the benefits translate into long-term prosperity and food security," he said.
As Cross River State continues to prioritise agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, Akiba's cooperative-based palm plantation initiative is expected to contribute significantly to **food security, employment generation, and sustainable rural development** across Calabar Municipality and Odukpani communities.
0 comments: