As part of the celebrations to honor the 35th anniversary of Akwa Ibom, Governor Udom Emmanuel has signaled the start of the planting of an additional 300,000 coconut seedlings.
The purpose of the event, which is simultaneously held in each of the state’s 31 Local Government Areas, is to increase the supply of raw materials to the publicly owned coconut oil mill.
The Governor spoke during an event marking the state’s 2022 Coconut Day Celebration at Mkpu, Itu Mbonuso in the Ini Local Government Area. He described the activity of planting coconuts as the centerpiece of celebrations held to mark the state’s 35th anniversary.
He expressed hope that the State will develop into an economic hub thanks to the availability of raw resources to increase output at the state’s St. Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Factory.
This is one of the most notable 35th State Anniversary celebration events; today we want to commission this Local Government’s first phase.
According to our survey, Ini will provide us with a very high yield of hybrid coconut.
“As announced, we are planting 300,000 coconut seedlings at the same time between now and 2 PM throughout the 31 Local Government Areas.”
“We will achieve our aim of planting two million coconut seedlings before I turn the reins over to the incoming governor,” he pledged.
Governor Emmanuel urged the neighborhood to support the initiative, pointing out that the coconut plantation will bring in money for the state because virgin coconut oil fetches a higher price on the international market than crude oil.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Mrs. Offiong Offor, thanked Governor Emmanuel for supporting the project earlier in her speech. She said that it had been difficult to increase the supply of raw materials for the coconut oil facility.
Dr. Offor claimed that by planting seedlings to celebrate coconut day, the state will provide many work possibilities for young people and earn cash from the sale of coconut oil.
In a letter of goodwill, Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, who represents Ini State Constituency in the House of Assembly, praised the state administration for its commitment to food sufficiency.
He emphasized how the governor had taught the Ini people how to fish in addition to giving them fish.
HRM Edidem Etim Umoette, the area’s supreme ruler, praised Governor Emmanuel for the many development initiatives implemented all over the state.The royal father remarked that substantial investments in agriculture continue to be a solution for ensuring food security.
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