Dakkada Global Oil Palm: 200, 000 improved seedlings to arrive Akwa Ibom – Pastor Umo Eno
In line with the Akwa Ibom State government’s resolve to revamp the moribund Akwa Palm Industries Limited now Dakkada Global Oil Palm Limited plantation, plans have been concluded with the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) for a 200, 000 improved seedlings to begin the nursery.
This was made known by the Executive Director, Directorate of Agric Investments, Pastor Umo Eno when he led members of the Directorate and some technical experts for a site inspection of the plantation on Friday January 7, 2022.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the inspection tour, Pastor Umo Eno said the exercise was necessary to ascertain the progress of work in the farm, adding that the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration is committed to ensuring that the plantation is revamped.
Pastor Umo Eno who doubles as the State’s Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, expressed satisfaction at the pace of work in the plantation noting that when the project started, many people did not believe that it will be a reality.
According to him, “to the glory of God and instrumentality of our dear Governor, we can see for ourselves now that the work is ongoing, the space for nursery is ready, and the seedlings for nursery has been paid for by Government, and the business plan is literally ready.
“We are bringing 200, 000 seedlings from NIFOR here for nursery. We already have the agreement, and have sent in some agronomists here to prepare the environment, and you can see for yourself that we are making much progress.”
The Executive Director emphasized that the Governor was embarking on the project to ensure that the youths of the area are meaningfully engaged, adding that the plan is to see the entire area become an oil palm hub.
He commended the youths of the area for their cooperation thus far, and urged them to maintain the peace and continue to cooperate with the contractors and others who visit the farm with progressive intentions, stressing that such was for their overall interest.
While commending the contractors for the pace of work, he urged them to take advantage of the dry season and double efforts in order to deliver on the job.
Worthy of mention is the fact that when revamped and made to work optimally, the state will become a designation centre for manufacturers who are looking for natural seed oils, like palm oil, as an alternative to unhealthy hydrogenated fats.
Our Correspondent reports that as at the time of the visit, construction work was ongoing for the administrative block, security unit, and the space for nursery as well as the mill among others.
