BY PATRICIA OGBECHE
The State Committee on Young Farmers Club, Ministry of Education, Cross River State, has successfully hosted the grand finale of the 2025 1st Annual Young Farmers Club Quiz Competition for primary and secondary schools. The event took place on November 20, 2025, at the West African People’s Institute (WAPI), Calabar.
The competition was conducted in three rigorous stages:
Stage 1 – LGA Level: All public primary and secondary schools participated.
Stage 2 – Zonal Level: Best-performing schools from each LGA competed.
Stage 3 – State Finals: Top schools from the zones battled for the championship at the grand finale in Calabar.
The Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ntunkea Mrs. Offiong Ani Offiong, delivered a keynote address in which he applauded the initiative and highlighted the importance of agricultural education.
According to the Commissioner, the quiz competition is not just a contest, but a platform to revive interest in agriculture, especially among young learners. He emphasized that the Young Farmers Club continues to rekindle hope at a time when many youths are drifting away from agriculture.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and the foundation upon which food security, employment and national prosperity are built,” he noted.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the vision of Education for Self-Reliance and Sustainable Development.”
He also commended the unwavering support of the Governor, His Excellency Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for strengthening educational and agricultural programs across the state.
The Commissioner praised teachers, principals, head teachers, and Young Farmers Club coordinators for their dedication, describing agricultural science as “not merely a subject but a life skill.”
The ministry stressed its commitment to practical learning, innovation, technology and enterprise in agriculture. The Commissioner encouraged pupils and students to embrace agriculture, stating that the future of food security in Cross River State and Nigeria depends greatly on how effectively young people are guided today.
The Chairman of the Education Committee, Cross River State House of Assembly and member representing Yala 2 Constituency, Hon. Dr. Martins Achado, appreciated the Ministry and the organizing committee for sustaining the Young Farmers Club program.
He urged the young learners to take agriculture seriously, stating that farming is not for the poor but a profitable skill capable of transforming lives.
Results of the 2025 Quiz Competition
Secondary School Category
• 1st Position: Bekwara Secondary School, Abuochiche – 51 points
• 2nd Position: Community Secondary School, Ugep – 47 points
• 3rd Position: Estate Secondary School, Calabar – 33 points
Primary School Category
• 1st Position: St. John’s Primary School, Akamkpa – 33 points
• 2nd Position: St. Theresa Primary School, Ugep – 31 points
• 3rd Position: St. Patrick’s Primary School, Obudu – 30 points
Winners from 1st to 3rd positions received awards and gifts in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The event was attended by key stakeholders in the education sector, including:
• Hon. Dr. Martins Achado – Chairman, Education Committee, CRSHA
• Dr. Mrs. Affiong Ugbaja – Special Adviser to the Governor on Education
• Dr. Mrs. Abasiofiok Akpabio – Special Adviser to the Governor on Student Advocacy
• Dr. Emmanuel Archibong – Executive Secretary, Science & Technical Education Board (represented by Mrs. Ubong Andem Ufuah)
• Mr. Uket Clement – Representative of NAPTAN Chairman, Professor Boniface Odey
• Other dignitaries, educators, and members of the Young Farmers Club
Mr. Asuquo Amaku, Chairman of the Young Farmers Club (YFC), expressed gratitude for the successful hosting of the competition and appreciated all dignitaries who graced the occasion. He encouraged the pupils and students to keep the flag flying, noting that he was highly impressed and motivated by their performances.
The event ended on a celebratory note, with calls for sustained investment in agricultural education to empower the next generation of farmers and innovators.
