Former Nigeria’s senate president to invest in controversial Cross River oil palm plantation

By Sylvia Akpan and Able Winnard

 

The former Nigeria’s Senate President, Bukola Saraki has made his intention known to invest in the controversial oil palm plantation in Eku Community of Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.

 

Five villages of Akor, Okarara, Iku, Abung, and New Ndebiji have been contending over the equity distribution of ground rent by Wing Song M House (core investment company of Ayip Eku Oil Palm Estate) and at some point led to threats and arrests.

 

The Ayip Eku Oil Palm Company was incorporated in 1979 and is located about 93 kilometers from the State capital of Calabar, with over twelve thousand (12,000) hectares.

 

Bukola Saraki while on a courtesy visit to Governor Otu in Calabar in his office on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, also commended Otu for creating a healthy investment climate in the State.

 

According to Otu’s Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, Saraki noted that Otu’s pragmatic economic policies in the State are seen as becoming an investment destination with enormous potential.

 

The former Kwara State Governor – Saraki, disclosed: “When you have a head of government who understands what it takes to govern and the role of government, he ensures that investors are comfortable.

 

“We have been very encouraged. It is not only in the oil plantation that we are focusing on. We are also looking at other businesses. We were at the Export Processing Zone earlier; we intend to be long-term partners of Cross River State,” Saraki stated.

 

Responding, Otu expressed satisfaction in having a personality like Dr. Saraki investing in the State and assured him of his administration’s readiness to partner with him and potential investors in changing the economy of Cross River.

 

“We will continue to create an enabling environment for you to succeed,” Otu assured the former Senate President, saying, “Please bring more investments to the State.”

 

He charged Cross Riverians and businesses in the State to gird their loins for an imminent investment boom, saying with his recent trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, investors are coming.