The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has expressed interest in repositioning the Yala local government area of the State as the food basket of the State.
But in doing that, the Governor made it clear that it can only be possible if the people maintain peace amongst themselves, having recollected the constant Communal clash in the area.
During a visit by the Royal Heads of the area to the Governor in Calabar, the Governor charged and advised them to seek healthier Communal relationships, create peaceful coexistence, and maintain good neighborliness amongst the Communities.
Mr. Gill Nsa, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor who made the meeting known, said the Yala-speaking people of the Yala local government area of the State came with their Paramount Ruler Ogamode Clement Onah Ipuole, to assure the Governor of their support to his administration and to request for help in restating their area as the food hub of the State.
Some of the requests include good access to roads linking the various Communities, good drinking water, upgrading the local food market in Okuku to International standard, an irrigation dam in Yala to boost food production, and establishment of a salt industry to explore the huge salt deposit in the area and to convert the University of Cross River State Campus in Okuku to full University.
The delegates expressed satisfaction at the Governor’s response and promises to return the Okuku market to international standards, and open roads for accessibility as a way of positioning Agriculture as the main source of the State’s economy.
The Governor also promised to tackle other requests presented by the Yala people as he hopes to use the Agricultural potential of the area and convert it into an urban and commercial center in the northern part of the State while placing security and other structures that will always put in check the avoidable Communal clashes and other disputes.
