SA to Gov of Cross River commends the efforts of team in the empowerment scheme across the State.

A fulfilling assignment on the 17th of June 2020, As part of my official assignment as special assistant to the Cross River State Governor on Gender And Development; i paid a Courtesy And Familiarization visit on the State Project Co-ordinator, CROSS RIVER STATE COORDINATING OFFICE (APPEALS) PROJECT, Mr. Marcel Agim in his office, in company of the SA On Cross River State Agricultural Research Institute, Pastor Tony Bassey.
The aim of the visit was to ascertain the number of men, women and youths who have been empowered in the program so far. I found out to my greatest surprise that they’re gender friendly, haven recruited more women than other States involved in the programme.
Cross River State is the highest in terms of women participation in APPEAL Project in Nigeria. I personally want to commend the efforts and commitment of the co-ordintor and his team in the empowerment scheme across the State.
According to the former Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Mr Audu Ogbeh, 95% of farmers in Nigeria still operate at the subsistence level and more than 50% of these subsistence farmers are women.
Also echoed by the Permanent Secretary (FMARD) is the fact that women supply 70% of Agricultural labor; 50 percent of animal husbandry related activities and 60 percent of food processing yet, they have access to only 20 percent of available Agricuturial resources hence the need to encourage women participation and empowerment in the Agriculture sector in Nigeria.
Signed:
Comr. Blessing Ekpo
SA on Gender And Development
to the Governor of CRS