Cross River youth urged to embrace agriculture for economic, community growth

 

 By Tina Agosi Todo, Calabar

Youths in Ediba community, Abi Local Council, Cross River State have been urged to view agriculture not just as a cultural heritage but a profitable career path critical to personal and communal advancement.

The admonition was given during the 2025 Rathobai (New Yam) Festival grand ceremony by Chairman of the festival, Asodor Freedom Ejom, during the event, held at the Village Primary School playground, with the theme: “Enduring Peace for Sustainable Development,” which highlighted agriculture’s pivotal role in fostering economic resilience and youth empowerment.

Ejom urged the young people in the community to tap into the state’s agricultural revival by venturing into cash crops like cocoa, oil palm, and coffee, recently reintroduced under Governor Bassey Otu’s agricultural initiatives. He also encouraged the adoption of vocational skills such as plumbing and electrical work to diversify income streams.

“With the right skills and the necessary government backing, our youth can harness the immense potential of our fertile land and improve their economic standing,” Ejom stated.

He praised the resilience of Ediba’s farmers, emphasising that lasting peace is the foundation for any meaningful development. “We are proud that Bahumono land has enjoyed five years of uninterrupted peace,” he noted.

The Chairperson of the organising committee, Dr. Rita Akpan, described the festival as more than a cultural event, citing its growing impact on the local economy. “Rathobai has become a catalyst for economic activity. It draws visitors from across the country, boosts trade, and provides a platform for farmers and artisans to thrive,” she said.

She noted that demand for local produce such as garri, yams, rice, and handmade crafts spikes during the festival, injecting revenue directly into local households. “Our cultural expressions, music, dance, arts, and crafts. are not only celebrated but also leveraged as economic tools,” she added.

Akpan also applauded the collective effort of the community and stakeholders in ensuring the festival’s success, noting that such initiatives instill a sense of pride and purpose in the younger generation. “We are sowing seeds of pride, culture, and productivity among our youth,” she emphasised.

His Royal Highness, Ovai Ejom Edward Ejom, the Regent of Ediba, who welcomed guests to what he described as a land steeped in unity and tradition, said, “yam is not just food; it is a symbol of our survival, our gratitude, and the strength of our communal spirit,” he said.

He commended local farmers, cultural groups, and organisers for their contributions to the celebration, reaffirming that Ediba’s future lies in its deep cultural roots and dedication to agriculture. “Let Rathobai serve as a reminder that our strength comes from the land and the hands that work it,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, the President of Ediba Union Worldwide, Chief Ettah Osu, described the festival as a beacon of unity and a reminder of shared heritage. He called on youths to become active participants in the community’s growth and sustainability.

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