Earlyface

The People’s Democratic Party-led government of Akwa Ibom
State, South-south of Nigeria is set to hit a milestone in the local
production of rice which is the most popular staple food in
Nigeria.
This is coming as the Federal Government has limited the
importation of the commodity through land border in order to
stimulate local production.
According to Vanguard, the  State Government has entered into
an agreement with Ashdene Associates, a Singapore based
investment organisation to set up a $100million rice farm in the
state.

Gov Emmanuel Udom Speaking, yesterday, in his office in Uyo
during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, the
state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel said that the rice project was
part of his administration’s commitment to develop the
agricultural sector and the economy of the state.
Emmanuel said that the rice farm and a rice mill will be both
located in Ini local Government Area of the state. Emmanuel
explained that government decided to partner Ashdene Group
because it is a competent company known to have successfully
executed businesses in about 29 countries of the world.

“I commend the company’s decision to set up a rice farm alongside
a processing mill at Ini Local Government Area. This will also
attract road construction and other developments in communities.”
He assured the company that his government will ensure that they
enjoy a peaceful working environment to enable the company
grow.
“I want to assure you that this is an investor friendly government.
Our policies, strategies and focus centres on investments. Be rest
assured that the responsibilities of government in the agreement
signed would be duly executed.”