Akpabuyo Chairman, Stakeholders Applaud IFAD for New Market, Solar Borehole in Effanga Offiong
Ndifereke BASSEY
The Executive Chairman of Akpabuyo local government council, Hon. (Prince) Effiom Bassey Effiong, has commended the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for their impactful intervention in Effanga Offiong community.
Speaking at inauguration of a modern open market stall, solar-powered borehole, and toilet facility executed under the LIFE-ND project on Thursday, April 11, 2025, at Effanga Offiong community, Effiong described the initiative as a direct response to the longstanding needs of rural farmers and traders in the area.
Represented at the event by the Council Secretary, Ms. Juliet Bassey, the Council chairman noted that the new market will enable farmers to bring their produce to market with ease, reducing post-harvest losses and transportation challenges.
In his remarks, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, the Cross River State Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, commended IFAD for the project, describing it as a transformative step towards rural development.
He said the project was funded through a collaborative effort involving the Federal Government, IFAD, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Cross River State Government, providing rural farmers with a dignified and toll-free space to market their produce.
The Commissioner also emphasised that the core mandate of the LIFE-ND project is to empower young agripreneurs through an incubation model that connects them with experienced entrepreneurs for business mentorship.
He also commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for sustaining productive partnerships that drive meaningful development to the grassroots.
Delivering an address on behalf of the community, Hon. Chief Offiong Okon Nyong, Secretary of the Effanga Offiong Clan Council, expressed deep appreciation to IFAD for responding to the community’s request.
A cording to him, the concept of a central market began as far back as 2021 when the incubation program was introduced in the area.
He described the new market as a vital hub for farmers and LIFE-ND incubatees, particularly those from interior parts of th, e community, to display and sell their agricultural products, appeal for the opening up of access roads to the interior farming villages to enhance transportation and rural trade.
In her goodwill message, Ms. Dede Afoefa Ekoue, the Country Director of IFAD, expressed immense satisfaction with the successful delivery of the project and the inspiring testimonies from incubates who have excelled in various agricultural ventures including poultry, fish production, seasoning and roasting, and agrochemical services.
She reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to sustaining its support for rural communities with life-changing infrastructure and urged the people of Effanga Offiong to put the facility to good use for agricultural and economic growth.
Signatories at the event include Hon. Ekeng Effiom, former member representing Akpabuyo State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly; Village Heads from various communities within Effanga Offiong Clan; Chief Nya Edem, Special Assistant to the Chairman on Revenue; Mr. Obeten Enyi, Revenue Officer of Akpabuyo Local Council; and Chief Bassey Eyo Ephraim, Community Relations Officer of Akpabuyo,
Speaking with YHE BEAGLE NEWS, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Akpabuyo, Prince Ekpo Effiom Effiong, said: “This project is a significant stride towards rural economic empowerment, agricultural growth, and community transformation.
"It aligns perfectly with the rural development vision of the Executive Chairman, Prince Effiom Bassey Effiong, and we are thankful to IFAD and our development-focused Governor for making this possible.”
