Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has tasked the traditional institutions in the state to do all in their power to inculcate the values of hard work, respect and honesty in the youths within their domain, stressing that it was the only way to ensure a value-driven society.
Governor Otu made the charge at the weekend, during a courtesy call on him by the Obong of Calabar Executive Forum, OCEF at his temporary office, Calabar.
He said his administration was committed to entrenching good governance that encourages hard work and productivity for the younger and coming generations.
Otu said deliberate emphasis must be placed on hard work and productivity.
Explaining the focus of his administration Governor Otu noted that “As a government, we are doing all we can to make sure we change the narrative of things. We are looking at agriculture as our main focus. It has become clear that agriculture is what would get Cross River out of the woods.”
He said his administration would plough heavily in agriculture across the three Senatorial zones, as cash crops such as cassava, cocoa, coffee and oil palm would be cultivated, stressing that plans would be made for the regeneration of Cross River’s ageing cocoa, palm, and other estates.
He expressed optimism that his agro-revolution would serve as a springboard to relaunching the State into economic prosperity.
According to the governor, “We intend to train and retrain farmers to be abreast of international best practices in agriculture.
For instance, smallholder schemes and grants would be made available for beneficiaries, with the government serving as the off-taker to farmers’ agricultural produce.”
He charged elders, parents and guardians to contribute meaningfully to the value re-orientation of the younger generation, noting that an end must be put to the instant gratification syndrome which has eaten deep into the fabric of today’s society.
Governor Otu called on the youths to gird their loins and channel their youthful energies to meaningful ventures.
