Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has been named Best Governor in Food Security at the Africa Food Heroes Awards, held on Thursday in Abuja.
The awards, organised by the Centre for Agropreneurship and Green Economy (CAGE), recognise individuals and institutions making significant contributions to agriculture and food security in Nigeria.
Hajiya Balaraba Abdulahi, a member of CAGE’s Board of Trustees, described the ceremony as a moment of national reflection, emphasizing the central role of agriculture in ensuring Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and food sovereignty.
She noted that the award celebrates governors, policymakers, farmers, researchers, and agripreneurs who are driving agricultural transformation in the country.
“Evaluations indicate that award-winning governors have achieved major milestones, including wide distribution of farm inputs, rehabilitation of access roads, and promotion of staple and export crops such as rice, maize, cassava, cocoa, and oil palm,” Abdulahi said.
She highlighted innovative initiatives like Cross River State’s Project Grow, the Commercial Agriculture Development Fund, and collaborations with research institutions and NGOs as exemplary models of food security and sustainable economic growth.
Independent assessments showed that the initiatives improved rural livelihoods, expanded market access for smallholder farmers, and strengthened value chains, particularly benefiting women and youth.
Abdulahi also commended federal policies and partnerships that support state-level agricultural programs.
The award was received on behalf of Governor Otu by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, who dedicated the recognition to God.
He praised the organisers for their “transparent and democratic selection process” and reiterated the state government’s commitment to policies and infrastructure that enhance food production and security.
Speaking at the event, Professor Walter Binang, former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Calabar, called the award a distinguished acknowledgment of excellence in agricultural transformation.
Professor Christopher Eze, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, noted that the ceremony provided a platform to reflect on Nigeria’s urgent food security priorities and emphasized the resilience of farmers and researchers in Africa.
Eze warned that Nigeria’s food systems face increasing pressures from climate shocks, economic instability, and population growth, describing the awardees as “quiet architects of a food system capable of delivering stable and affordable nutrition.”
He also lauded CAGE’s plan to train 1,000 extension workers and 3,000 farmers nationwide.
Other awardees included governors from Osun, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, and Niger states, as well as the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
The event featured exhibitions, panel discussions, and investment dialogues promoting sustainable agricultural development.
