Governor Otu Fulfills Promise As Etung Cocoa Estates Landlord Communities Receive Land Rent Payments
By Missang AKPET
The Cross River State government has paid land rent and entitlements to landlord communities of state‑owned cocoa estates in Etung Local Government Area.
The eight beneficiary communities are Etomi, Abia, Bendeghe Ekiem, Efraya, Ekimaya, Ekugatai, Ajassor and Agbokim Obi.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo Jr., addressed the communities at the Etung Local Government council of chiefs chamber, saying the disbursement covers the four‑year period of the Otu administration, from 2024 to 2027.
Represented by the permanent secretary, Elder Odey Ikongha, the commissioner explained that although payments were delayed, due process and price intelligence guided the amounts and procedure of disbursement.
He asked the communities to treat this as the first tranche while anticipating payment of backlogs owed by previous administrations, as promised by the governor.
Presenting the cheques, the Director of Finance and Supply, Ministry of Agriculture Elder Dan Nicholas Obun, said each community’s share followed a formula agreed by a landlord‑set committee and reflected land size.
The paramount ruler of Etung, His Royal Majesty Amb. Anthony Ntui Ettah II, lauded Governor Bassey Otu for demonstrating his “people first” mantra, calling the gesture a source of strength.
He noted that past governments made promises without payment, whereas the current administration has paid and pledged to clear earlier backlogs. The royal father hailed the Otu government as people‑centered and pledged the communities’ support for his re‑election bid.
A total of ₦75,000,000 was disbursed as royalties and land rent for 2024–2027.
