Iloke, Egbe MIDC 

The Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Elder Dr. Hippolatus O. Lukpata has assured the Management of Food System, Land Use and Restoration Impact Program FOLUR-IP Nigeria of the State Government support in the implementation plan for activities of the programme which operate in 8 Local Government in the State. 

He gave the assurances while addressing stakeholders during the State Project Management Committee Meeting held at the project office, opposite Navy field, State Housing Estate Calabar. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the execution of projects in the State and the phase the project has entered. 

He thanked the national committee members for their sincerity in the course of executing and implementing activities according to the project document. 

Earlier, the FOLUR-IP Chief Technical Adviser, Prof. Adebayo Shittu informed that the meeting with State Project Management Committee is mandatory for the progress of the project as it serves as the approving authority before activities can commence including financial expenses. He used the occasion to present the project progress report and challenges, adding that the life span of the project has been extended to 2027.

In his words, Mr Shittu said, this meeting is to inform you that all the challenges blocking the smooth implementation of the project have been cleared. He also presented details of the project finances and what they are meant for in the project, adding that, the money is for the implementation of activities for the 2 State of Cross River and Ondo States. 

He informed that gender issues are very important and building the capacity of women in the project is a priority. The Folur IP is promoting integrated Landscape Management and sustainable Food Systems. In attendance were representatives from all the line MDAs.