Calabar: The Government of Cross River has approved the release of N700 million as a subsidy for Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings to be distributed to smallholder farmers in the state. The Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Calabar.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the approval was given during the State Executive Council meeting, with the subsidy aimed at boosting coffee production in the state. The initiative follows a previous conference focused on the development of cocoa and coffee, where the decision was made to subsidize coffee seedlings from N1,000 to N300 per seedling.
The meeting, presided over by Governor Bassey Otu, also addressed the issue of illegal and unaccredited schools. The council called on the state’s Ministry of Education to initiate a statewide shutdown of such institutions to uphold educational standards and sanitize the system in accordance with quality assurance guidelines.
In the realm of tourism, the governor reiterated the administration’s commitment to rebuilding tourism sites to meet global standards. A technical committee led by tourism expert Mr. Fidelis Ugbo has been established to revive the NorthFest Cultural Festival, integrating it into the state’s tourism calendar.
Governor Otu further announced that the 2025 Christmas Festival, themed ‘Traces of Time’, will be the last festival funded by the state. Efforts to revitalize tourism are expected to attract sponsorships that will alleviate the financial burden on the state.
Additionally, the council approved the release of N18 billion for Sustainable Tourism Transformation Initiatives. This investment will facilitate infrastructural upgrades at several tourist sites, including Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. Plans also include the rehabilitation of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa, construction of Pier Harbour, launching Experience Calabar Tours, and creating a Heritage Market for Arts and Crafts.