By Archibong Emmanuel
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, has encouraged secondary school students to combine theoretical knowledge with practical agriculture to become self-reliant.
Odey gave this advice while addressing winners of the 2025 Young Farmers Quiz Competition, organised by the State Committee of the Young Farmers Club, at the grand finale held at the West Africa Peoples Institute (WAPI) in Calabar.
He emphasised that agriculture is crucial for driving economic growth and ensuring food security, saying, “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and the foundation upon which food security, employment, and national prosperity are built.”
The commissioner urged students to engage in practical agricultural activities, highlighting the benefits of the Young Farmers Club in providing hands-on experience and skills development. “The Young Farmers Club provides an excellent platform for learners to combine theory with practice, such as planting, nurturing, harvesting crops, and learning agribusiness skills that can sustain them in the future,” he said.
Odey praised 15-year-old Otom Emmanuel Achiupi, who won first prize in the secondary school category, and 9-year-old Mfonobong Effiong, who emerged champion in the primary school category in the just concluded quiz competition organised by the State Committee of Young Farmers Club Quiz competition.
“Your commitment, creativity, and teamwork have brought pride to your schools and communities,” Odey maintained.
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The commissioner also thanked teachers and mentors for their dedication, saying, “Teachers, head teachers, principals, and Young Farmers Club coordinators, please thank you for your dedication.”
The event aimed to promote agricultural learning and awareness among young people and nurture a generation of innovative and proud farmers who can contribute to national development and food security.
