12 August 2020
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture in Cross River state, Ntufam Okon Nyong Owuna, on Tuesday shedded light in the attempt to put records straight on the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN), Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) NEGROIDHAVEN can say authoritatively.
Setting the records straight, according to Owuna, is imperative to address the controversy surrounding the issues bothering on the implementation of the AADS in the state especially in respect of the activities of Mr Michael Nku Abuo the DG of Cross River State Migration Control Services Agency.
According to Commissioner Owuna, the AAD Scheme which was launched on 26th of August 2018 by Governor Ben Ayade had began implementation of the scheme in Cross River by the supervising Ministry of Agriculture. Owuna added that the State Project Monitoring and Implementation Team was constituted by Deputy Governor Evara Ejemot Esu and had taken off on its responsibilities recording profound success.
The state agriculture boss disclosed that, in partnership with CBN, approval for the first loan facility for the commencement of the pilot phase (2018/2019) which covers provision of infrastructure involving land acquisition, land development and engagement of stakeholders. According to him, the second phase of the AADS had already commenced with the disbursements of N1. 5 billion on an interest rate of 9% (or 5% under Covid-19 pandemic).
According to Owuna there has been town hall meetings across the three senatorial districts in the state where stakeholders engaged with the supervising Ministry of Agriculture in determining the economic cost of production in the value chain chosen by the state government.
While addressing the press, Owuna asserted that the activities of DG Abuo does not have the approval of the government of Cross River State. Contrarily, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Commissioner for Agriculture does. According to Owuna, the State Governor Ben Ayade said Abuo's official office is DG Cross River State Migration Control Services Agency. He advised the general public to take note.
Owuna distanced the activities of the said DG Abuo from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Cross River State Government, CRSG. He warned the public against doing business with DG Abuo in respect of AADS.
As at yesterday, Abuo had officially terminated this involvement in the CBN's AADS through a lengthily worded press statement.
