C’River Education Commissioner Offers Goodwill Message at the Biannual Review Meeting on the Implementation of Food Systems Transformation PathwaysNovember 27, 2024The Cross River State Government and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning collaborate to hold a Biannual Review Meeting on food systems transformation pathways implementation in Nigeria, the event was held at the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel Calabar, with Senator (Associate Prof) Stephen Odey, Education Commissioner, Cross River State, presenting a goodwill message.The Commissioner, in his goodwill message stated, “I am honored to present a goodwill message on this significant occasion. The implementation of the food systems transformation pathways is a deliberate effort by the present Administration to address food insecurity and ensure food sufficiency for our country’s population. This integrated approach aims to transform the food system, from production to consumption, to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system. Undoubtedly, this effort will yield a brighter future for our country’s food profile. The Cross River State Government has taken a leading role in the agricultural revolution by acquiring vast farmlands for plantation agriculture, focusing on various tree crops and major food groups. Partners have been mobilized, and seedlings and agricultural inputs have been allocated to boost production. Moreover, credit facilities have been made available to small holder farmers to enhance their cultivation capacities.Continuing, he reiterated that, “in the education sector, the State Government has revitalized young farmers clubs in schools, ensuring that every child from senior primary to senior secondary school level actively participates in agricultural activities and receives basic farming orientation. Head Teachers and Principals have been directed to prioritize agricultural activities and establish school farms for producing basic food crops. Indeed, the renewed hope agenda for food sufficiency in Cross River State is gaining momentum. As we convene today to review food system transformation pathways, a new dimension is added to our efforts to transform the agricultural landscape for increased productivity. I firmly believe that our discussions in this meeting will yield brighter prospects in achieving sufficiency in food and agricultural production. The agenda is set, and achieving it is a foregone conclusion. I extend my gratitude to the Federal Government for initiating this meeting in Cross River State, and I hope that the meeting will be rewarding for all participants.His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, PhD, and several other high-ranking government officials attended the event.#Office_Of_The_Commissioner_For_Education_CRS