By PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
The Cross River State’s Capital, Calabar buzzed with activity as agriculturists and business development professionals convened for a conference on the agricultural value chain. The event, held in commemoration of MSME Week 2024, underscored the importance of agriculture for economic prosperity.
Experts from government and private sectors shared their knowledge, offering participants valuable insights into the agricultural value chain and its potential benefits.
The Director General of MEDA, Great Ogban, emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting small businesses in the state. He announced the July 1st relaunch of the Enterprise Development Center (EDC) to further empower entrepreneurs.
The conference also highlighted PROJECT GROW, an initiative of His Excellency, Sen Prince Bassey Otu, promoting agriculture as a new revenue stream for the state.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede, in his opening remarks reiterated the State Government’s commitment to fostering employment through enterprise development, while Ebimoboere Eniyekpemi, CEO of Afritropic Farming and Agro Services Limited, harped on the need for improved partnerships in agribusiness.
Also in attendance was the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. (Dr.) Abigail Duke Otok; Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo; Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Hon. Hippolitus Lokpata; Commissioner for Livestock, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ntufam Emmanuel Anom and other top government functionaries, including Denis Ikpali, Project Director, Project Grow.
