The Governor of Cross River,  Bassey Otu, has received the Best Governor Award in Food Security at the Africa Food Heroes Awards on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the awards, organised by the Centre for Agropreneurship and Green Economy, celebrate individuals and institutions advancing agriculture and food security in Nigeria.

A member of CAGE’s Board of Trustees, Hajiya Balaraba Abdulahi, said the ceremony represented a moment of national reflection, noting that agriculture remained central to Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and food sovereignty.

Abdulahi said CAGE created the award to recognise governors, policymakers, farmers, researchers and agripreneurs shaping Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

“CAGE’s evaluations show that the governors have achieved major milestones, including the wide distribution of farm inputs to thousands of farmers and the rehabilitation of critical access roads.

“They have also promoted staple crops such as rice, maize, cassava, ginger and wheat, alongside export commodities like cocoa and oil palm.

“Innovative programmes, including Cross River State’s Project Grow, the Commercial Agriculture Development Fund, and partnerships with research institutions and NGOs, exemplify forward-thinking approaches to food security and sustainable economic development”.

She said independent assessments showed improvements across awardee states through input distribution, feeder road rehabilitation, dry-season farming and strengthened value chains for crops such as rice, cassava, maize and cocoa.

She added that the interventions had expanded market access for smallholder farmers and improved rural livelihoods, especially for women and young people.

Abdulahi commended the Federal Government for policy reforms and partnerships supporting state initiatives and strengthening national food security efforts.

According to her, the award underscores a commitment to building resilient food systems capable of withstanding climate, economic and security challenges.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Johnson Ebokpo, who received the award for Gov. Otu, dedicated the recognition to God.

He praised the organisers for their “transparent and democratic selection process,” saying it would further promote people-centred development.

Ebokpo said the government remained focused on policy development and infrastructure to strengthen food production and ensure food security for all residents.

He said the honour would spur the state to intensify efforts in building a resilient agricultural sector.

In a goodwill message, Prof. Walter Binang, former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, said the award was a distinguished recognition of excellence in agricultural transformation across Nigeria.

He said CAGE’s focus on climate-smart agriculture, agropreneurship and para-extension training was improving productivity nationwide.

Also, Prof. Christopher Eze, Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, who delivered the keynote address, said the event allowed reflection on Nigeria’s urgent food security priorities.

He highlighted Africa’s long history of agricultural innovation and the resilience of farmers and researchers across generations.

Eze warned that Nigeria’s food systems faced increasing pressure from climate shocks, economic instability and population growth.

He described the awardees as quiet architects of a food system capable of supporting stable and affordable nutrition.

Eze commended CAGE’s plan to train 1,000 extension workers and 3,000 farmers across all states and the FCT.

Other awardees included governors of Osun, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Niger, and the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari.

NAN also reports that the ceremony featured exhibitions, panel discussions and investment dialogues promoting sustainable agricultural development.

In a move to support food security in the state, PUNCH Online in November 2025 reported that the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area in Cross River State, Peter Undiandeye, distributed 1,000 bags of fertiliser, agrochemicals, seedlings, and financial assistance to farmers, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen local food supply.

NAN