Akwa Ibom State Government is set to establish an Oil Palm Mill and also construct an access road linking the country home of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obong Emem Ekperikpe Ekpo in Ikot Udom village, Ika Local Government Area.
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced this at a Special Thanksgiving Service in honour of the Primate Emeritus of the African Church, Dr. Emmanuel Josiah Udofia to mark his retirement from ecclesiastical service held at St. Matthias African Church, Nto Udo Enwan in Ika Local Government Area.
Governor Eno said the area deserved an Oil Palm Mill to complement the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Academy initiative of the Prelate Emeritus, adding that construction of the road connecting the various farming communities and potential off-takers was necessary to enable the farmers to evacuate their produce.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga, to work out modalities for the construction of the selected roads.
The governor who described the retired Cleric as one blessed by God and deserving of celebration, reasoned that Ika is special in the comity of Local Government Areas given its richness in agricultural produce and being home to many distinguished Akwa Ibomites.
Pastor Umo Eno described the recent twisted story seeking to portray the governor as trying to get at the Senate President as one of the unwholesome activities of mischief makers who do not have the interest of the state at heart.
He added that the Senate President may be privy to some information about the said N30 billion that others are not aware of, hence instead of challenging him he will rather hope that it becomes a reality.
The Minister of States for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, conveyed the warm wishes of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, reassuring everyone of the unity of the officials at the federal level and those in the Umo Eno led-government for the attainment of a desirable Akwa Ibom.
