Agriculture
MR Umo Eno, the Executive Director, Akwa Ibom Agricultural Investment Company (AKIPOC) says Gov. Udom Emmanuel has restated readiness to reactivate Akwa Palm.
Eno spoke on Wednesday in Uyo during a meeting with village heads, youth presidents, clan heads of Akwa Palm host communities.
He reiterated the government’s readiness to fully reactivate the Akwa Palm Plantation located in Esit Eket Local Government Area to create job opportunities for the youth.
Eno said that the governor was determined to industrialize the state before the end of his tenure.
He explained that the project was a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative where youths from host communities would be trained in diverse skills to develop themselves and become self-reliant.
Eno said that the first phase which was managed by Tidal Foods Limited was an intervention process to prepare the ground for full take-off.
“The rebranded Akwa Palm is a PPP initiative. There will be a tank Farm/Mill; the mill will help in expanding the plantation for future benefits to host communities as well as attract global attention.
“The former Akwa Palm Plantation has been rebranded and changed to Dakkada Oil Palm Limited.
“What is required for full implementation to begin is an enabling environment in collaboration with government and shareholders for the smooth running and success of the project, ” Eno said.
He explained that the existing palm fruits in the plantation had outgrown limits and as such, would be pulled down.
He said that a new nursery would be planted as training of personnel, setting up of security and administrative quarters and a laboratory would commence.
“The rebranded Akwa Palm is a PPP initiative which will have a functional modern tank Farm/Mill with global attention for the general benefits of host communities,” he said.
Speaking, Mr Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said that Gov. Emmanuel was committed to ensuring the reactivation of the moribund Akwa Palm Industry for full-scale operation.
He said that the major beneficiaries of the project were those from host communities.
Archibong advised stakeholders across the three local government areas of Esit Eket, Urue/Offong, and Mbo, to collaborate and support government efforts to ensure the project was implemented as planned.
In his remarks, Mr. Iniobong Robson, the Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council assured of cooperation to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for investors.
Robson said he was optimistic that the project when completed would create over 5,000 job opportunities, adding that it would be the highest employer of labor if fully reactivated. (NAN)
– Apr. 21, 2021 @ 14:32 GMT
Tags: Gov. Emmanuel restates readiness to reactivate Akwa Palm
