By Frank Ulom
ADDIS ABABA (CONVERSEER) – Cross River State gained international recognition as the Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, represented the state at the UNFSS+4 Stocktaking Moment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Bisong joined distinguished global leaders at a high-level side event hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, themed “Catalysing Change: Showcasing Nigeria’s Innovations and Collaborations in Food Systems Transformation.”
He showcased the state’s homegrown strategies to tackle food and nutrition insecurity, highlighting innovations driven by Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda.
“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 said.
Adding, “We are committed to transforming our food systems not only through infrastructure, but through inclusive, innovative, and climate-resilient approaches that touch lives.”
He outlined ongoing initiatives, including the Cross River State Food Systems Committee, farm estates focusing on maize, soybeans, cassava and biofortified crops, and policies to address malnutrition and boost local economies.
Bisong also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture, digital innovation, and smallholder farmer support programmes, including the National Agriculture Growth Scheme (NAGS).
His presentation complemented the keynote address by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON, who emphasised Nigeria’s collaborative approach to food systems reform and the importance of youth empowerment and digital agriculture.
“Food system transformation is not a sprint but a long-distance journey requiring vision, courage, and collaborative leadership. Cross River is ready, willing, and actively leading the charge in making nutrition and food security a lived reality for our people,” the Chief Whip noted.
The UN event concluded with a call for global and local action towards building productive, inclusive and climate-resilient food systems.
