The Cross River State Government has commenced the distribution of over 25,000 fruit tree nurseries of various species to farmers across the State, marking another significant step by His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in the State’s Reforestation Programme and its drive to build a greener, healthier and economically resilient Cross River.
The distribution, which was officially flagged off by the State Government on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, is being implemented through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Reforestation and Ecosystem Management, Hon. Lebo Lebo, as part of the State Government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable agriculture, restore degraded ecosystems and expand the economic value of the State’s forest resources.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor during the exercise, Hon. Lebo Lebo explained that the State Government initiative goes beyond the distribution of seedlings, describing it as an investment in the future of Cross River State. He noted that the cultivation of fruit trees would help restore the State’s forest cover, combat environmental degradation, strengthen climate resilience and improve food security, while creating sustainable sources of income for farmers and rural communities.
According to him, the State’s reforestation agenda is designed to place communities and farmers at the centre of environmental restoration by encouraging them to see tree cultivation not merely as an environmental responsibility but as a long-term economic asset. The initiative is expected to generate additional household income, improve agricultural productivity, reduce future dependence on costly fruit supplies and contribute significantly to the development of Cross River’s emerging green economy.
Receiving the fruit tree nurseries on behalf of farmers and communities across the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State, the respective Executive Chairmen expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Cross River State for the far-reaching initiative. Through the State’s Afforestation and Reforestation Team, led by the Special Adviser, Hon. Lebo Lebo, the Chairmen conveyed the gratitude of farmers and communities, describing the programme as a timely and strategic intervention capable of addressing both environmental and economic challenges while improving the livelihoods of rural dwellers.
The Chairmen pledged their collective commitment to ensuring the equitable distribution of the nurseries to deserving farmers and communities across their respective Local Government Areas. They further assured the State Government of their readiness to work closely with the Afforestation and Reforestation Team to coordinate and supervise the planting, nurturing and protection of the trees to maturity, ensuring that the seedlings translate into sustainable environmental and economic benefits.
The initiative represents more than the distribution of nurseries; it is a significant investment in the future of Cross River State. The Chairmen therefore called for active participation by farmers and communities, assuring the State Government of the necessary grassroots support to sustain the programme and advance the Governor’s vision of a greener, climate-resilient, agriculturally productive and economically prosperous Cross River State.
