UN Summit: Bisong Projects C'River’s Vision for Food Systems Transformation in Ethiopia
Bassey BASSEY with Agency Report
Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, has stated that the People First Administration of Governor Bassey Otu is committed to transforming the food systems not only through infrastructure, inclusive, innovative, and climate-resilient approaches that touch lives.
Bisong, who state this at the UNFSS+4 Stocktaking Moment held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia recently, highlighted Cross River’s homegrown solutions and strategic innovations toward reducing food and nutrition insecurity.
Speaking on a theme “Catalyzing Change: Showcasing Nigeria’s Innovations and Collaborations in Food Systems Transformation,” the Chief Whip explained that under the visionary leadership of Gov. Otu, the state is advancing a bold, people-centered agenda in line with the “People First” mandate.
He emphasized that food systems reform in the state is being tailored to meet the real needs of communities — from rural farmers to urban families — by providing sustainable access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food.
“The People First agenda is not just a slogan; it’s a living policy direction guiding our interventions across agriculture, nutrition, and food security,” Bisong declared.
“We are committed to transforming our food systems not only through infrastructure, but through inclusive, innovative, and climate-resilient approaches that touch lives.”
Bisong reaffirmed Cross River’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture, digital innovation, and community-focused programs like the National Agriculture Growth Scheme (NAGS), aimed at supporting smallholder farmers and enhancing food value chains.
His presentation positioned Cross River as a leading state in rethinking how food is produced, distributed, and consumed — all while staying true to the “People First” development philosophy of Governor Otu’s administration.
“Food system transformation is not a sprint but a long-distance journey requiring vision, courage, and collaborative leadership,” Bisong noted.
“Cross River is ready, willing, and actively leading the charge in making nutrition and food security a lived reality for our people,” he further stated.
Bisong underscored key initiatives already underway in the state, including the formation of the Cross River State Food Systems Committee to coordinate policy and implementation across sectors, and the establishment of farm estates focused on large-scale production of maize, soybeans, cassava, and biofortified crops.
These interventions, he said, are vital to combatting malnutrition, boosting local economies, and aligning with national and global sustainability goals.
In a keynote address by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, highlighted Nigeria’s collaborative approach to food systems transformation and stressed the importance of empowering youth, leveraging data, and embracing digital agriculture.
The UN event concluded with a renewed call for global and local actions that build food systems that are productive, inclusive, climate-resilient, and nutrition-secure.
