Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has charged the state traditional institution to inculcate the values of hardwork, respect and honesty among the youth of their territory, stressing that this is the only way to achieve a value-driven society.
Governor Otu gave the charge at the weekend during a courtesy call on him by the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) at his temporary office, Calabar.
He said his administration aims to strengthen good governance to reward hard work and productivity of young and future generations.
Explaining the focus of his administration, Governor Otu noted that “As a government, we are doing all we can to make sure we change the narrative of things. We are looking at agriculture as our main focus. It has become clear that agriculture is what will get Cross River out of the woods.”
He said his administration will focus majorly on agriculture across the three senatorial districts, as cash crops such as cassava, cocoa, coffee and oil palm will be cultivated, stressing that plans will be made for the regeneration of Cross River’s aging cocoa, palm and other estates.
He expressed optimism that his agricultural revolution will be the springboard for the state’s new economic prosperity.
“We intend to train and retrain farmers to be abreast of international best practices in agriculture. For instance, small holder schemes and grants will be made available for beneficiaries, with government serving as the off taker to farmers’ agricultural produce,” the governor said.
He charged elders, parents and guardians to contribute meaningfully to the value re-orientation of the younger generation, noting that an end must be put to the instant gratification syndrome which had eaten deep into the fabric of today’s society.
Governor Otu called on the youth to gird their loins and channel their youthful energies to meaningful ventures, pointing out that “in no distant future, when the ongoing agricultural revolution begins to yield results, the pursuit of political appointments and white-collar jobs will become unattractive as people of the state would have become self-reliant green millionaires.”
He thanked the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) delegation for their visit, just as he appreciated their far-reaching ideas during the visit.
He said their resourceful inputs will contribute immensely in advancing his administration’s ‘People First’ manifesto.
Earlier, chairman of OCEF, Chief Gershom Henshaw, expressed the appreciation of the Forum, the Obong’s palace and entire Efik nation for the governor’s efforts in restoring Calabar’s clean and green splendor.
The Forum also appealed for the holistic upgrade of the infrastructure and outlook of the city of Calabar to include the Calabar South Local gGvernment Area.
Other demands of the Forum included the development of a modern central market and cold abattoir to serve the Calabar metropolis, establishment of a mechanic village outside the city as the proliferation of mechanic workshops all over the city diminishes the pristine aesthetics of Calabar.
The OCEF is an advisory body in the palace of the Obong of Calabar.
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