The 14th Steering Committee Meeting of the South-South Agro-Ecological Zone Research, Extension, Farmer, Input, Linkage, System (REFILS) was held in Calabar from July 16th to 17th, 2025, drawing key stakeholders from research institutions, universities, input agencies, development partners, and farmer organizations.
Declaring the event open, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, warmly welcomed all participants, stating that this would be the first time in over a decade that Cross River hosted this pivotal event.
The Commissioner praised Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his visionary support and resource allocation, making the hosting possible and underscoring the state’s commitment to agricultural transformation. He described the meeting’s theme, “Strengthening Stakeholders Linkages for Improved Food Security,” as both timely and critical amid growing challenges of climate change, population growth, and resource constraints.
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Ebokpo emphasized that food security can only be achieved through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach that bridges research, input supply, extension services, and policy implementation, stating that REFILS platform was highlighted as a vital mechanism that ensures agricultural innovations reach farmers effectively instead of remaining dormant on shelves.
He said that Cross River’s proactive measures under the Governor Otu’s “People First” leadership were showcased through the distribution of 3.5 million improved oil palm nuts from the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), and the “ongoing planting of 1 million Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings with a goal of 30 million; cassava stem multiplication under the Cassava Value Chain project; procurement and deployment of 77 motorbikes for extension services,” among others.
These integrated efforts, the Commissioner asserted, “aims to empower farmers with the right inputs, research backing, and extension guidance to become catalysts for economic growth.”
Recognizing that even the strongest interventions depend on effective linkages, Ebokpo called on participants to explore ways to enhance collaboration, data sharing, and coordinated action throughout the two-day meeting. He expressed optimism that the forum would yield actionable strategies to unlock the agro-ecological zone’s full potential.
On his part, the Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Forestry, Hon. Bette Obi, reaffirmed the support of Cross River House of Assembly for agricultural initiatives, emphasizing rapid legislative action for all agriculture-related matters. He stated that the Assembly, led by Speaker Elvert Ayambem, swiftly passed the Project Grow bill, enabling the establishment of farms across multiple local government areas.
Obi praised Governor Otu for his consistent backing of agricultural projects, ensuring express approval of related memos. He promised to raised a motion on the floor of the house, seeking urgent intervention in the dilapidated structure that serves as the office of Cross River ADP.
Shedding light on REFILS, the South South Zonal Coordinator, Dr Olusegun Solomon, explained that the programme aims to bridge the gap between researchers, farmers, and input suppliers, ensuring effective collaboration for improved agricultural productivity. He said the Zone, abundant in rainfall and sunlight, has great agricultural potential, including wheat cultivation in unconventional areas like Cross River.
However, Dr. Solomon, a Director at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, lamented inadequate support for State Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs), highlighting low participation in vital meetings due to funding constraints. He called on government leaders and stakeholders to prioritize REFILS, stressing that collaboration across research, farming, and input supply is essential to boosting food production and achieving lasting food security in the region.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of Cross River ADP, Emogor Bassey, emphasized the importance of collaboration to revitalize agriculture in the south south region. He acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Governor Otu and the support of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development.
The meeting brought together ministries, agricultural experts, researchers, and farmers to discuss innovative solutions aimed at sustainable agricultural development.
Attendees engaged in strategic dialogues, shared experiences, and forged partnerships to boost agricultural output and improve livelihoods in Cross River, the South South region, and Nigeria at large.
The event is organized by Cross River ADP/Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development and the Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research (NIFOR).
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