Governor Bassey Otu has received the ‘Best Governor Award in Food Security’ at the Africa Food Heroes Awards on Thursday in Abuja.

The awards, organised by the Centre for Agropreneurship and Green Economy, celebrate individuals and institutions advancing agriculture and food security in Nigeria.

Balaraba Abdulahi, a member of CAGE’s board of trustees, said the ceremony represented a moment of national reflection, noting that agriculture remained central to Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and food sovereignty.

Ms Abdulahi said CAGE created the award to recognise governors, policymakers, farmers, researchers, and agripreneurs who are shaping Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

“CAGE’s evaluations show that the governors have achieved major milestones, including the wide distribution of farm inputs to thousands of farmers and the rehabilitation of critical access roads.

“They have also promoted staple crops such as rice, maize, cassava, ginger and wheat, alongside export commodities like cocoa and oil palm.

“Innovative programmes, including Cross River state’s Project Grow, the Commercial Agriculture Development Fund, and partnerships with research institutions and NGOs, exemplify forward-thinking approaches to food security and sustainable economic development,” stated Ms Abdulahi.

She said independent assessments showed improvements across awardee states through input distribution, feeder road rehabilitation, dry-season farming and strengthened value chains for crops such as rice, cassava, maize and cocoa.

Ms Abdulahi added that the interventions had expanded market access for smallholder farmers and improved rural livelihoods, especially for women and young people.

Ms Abdulahi commended the federal government for policy reforms and partnerships that support state initiatives and strengthen national food security efforts.

According to her, the award underscores a commitment to building resilient food systems capable of withstanding climate, economic and security challenges.

The commissioner for agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, who received the award on behalf of Mr Otu, dedicated the recognition to God.

He praised the organisers for their “transparent and democratic selection process”, saying it would further promote people-centred development.

Mr Ebokpo said the government remained focused on policy development and infrastructure to strengthen food production and ensure food security for all residents. He said the honour would spur the state to intensify efforts in building a resilient agricultural sector.

(NAN)