Calabar–The Cross River State Government has moved to resolve longstanding ownership and development issues surrounding the Ayip Eku Oil Palm Estate in Akamkpa Local Government Area, following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.
In a communiqué released by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson A. Ebokpo, the meeting brought together critical stakeholders including the Senior State Security Adviser, the State Commissioner of Police, House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, state lawmakers, local government leaders, village chiefs, and representatives of Wingsong M-House Palm Oil Investment Limited.
Wingsong M-House Palm Oil Investment Limited was affirmed as the core investor in the Ayip Eku Oil Palm Estate. This was based on official confirmations from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Abuja, which clarified the ownership structure.
It was noted that Wingsong M-House had fallen short of its contractual obligations concerning the development and management of the estate.
Stakeholders directed the company to submit a comprehensive development plan for the estate within one month of the meeting.
The investor is also required to submit a formal letter of commitment to the Governor of Cross River State, referencing points raised at the stakeholders’ meeting and copying all relevant parties.
The communiqué stated that these resolutions reflect the collective will of all parties involved and are aimed at revitalizing the estate to ensure productive use and agro-industrial growth for the benefit of host communities and investors.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu was commended for his administration’s transparency and commitment to stakeholder engagement and agro-industrial development.
The release also warned against any form of impersonation or encroachment on the estate, stating emphatically: “All impostors are hereby warned to desist.”
