A’Ibom Integrated Palm Kernel Dealers Association Inaugurates State Executives

The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Trade and Investment has inaugurated a 29-member state executive of the Akwa Ibom State Integrated Palm Kernel Dealers Association, with a charge on them to be good ambassadors of the ministry.

Advising the pioneer state executives of the association, the outgoing permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr. Oliver Udoukpo, thanked the group for their zeal and commitment towards bringing the palm kernel business to the limelight, expressing happiness at seeing the state executive members of the group.

He charged them to unite as a team for the association to succeed, advising, “Once you have one mind, nothing shall be impossible for you.”

Also offering words of advice to the state executives of the association, a newly sworn-in permanent secretary posted to the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Dr. Stephen Ita Effiong, laid out objectives and what is expected of the association’s state executives, emphasising that it is all about regulating what is being produced, checking smuggling and infiltrations in the sector, and working hand-in-hand with the state produce of the ministry to achieve its goals.

Speaking further, Dr. Effiong advised the group to be diplomatic and work within the ambit of the law in their determined efforts to sanitise the palm kernel business against infiltrations, smuggling and adulteration.

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In his words, “You are all coming to work with us to improve the state’s progress in this sector. I urge you to do it within the ambit of the law guiding the sector.”

“Palm kernel is used for the production of so many other products, so make sure you leave no stone unturned in sanitising the sector,” he advised.

As you all know, one of the key components of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno’s administration, is agriculture; don’t disappoint us,” he appealed.

On his part, the director of Produce and Inspection Services, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr. Uyoata Umoren, stated emphatically that Akwa Ibom State is noted as the only state with the highest number of palm produce.

Mr. Umoren also outlined some of the challenges the sector faced, including sabotage and non-remittances to the state from the palm kernel sector, among others.

“As you’ve heard, you’re coming to work with us to sanitise the sector and regain its lost glory. You’re not inaugurated to go and cause chaos or form factions.”

“The government cannot go into all the nooks and crannies of the local government and villages where this product is processed; you’re representing the government; be good ambassadors of the government; let’s work together to make this sector good,” he added.

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“We know that your operations are regulated by us in the ministry; do not arrest anybody without arrest warrants,” he warned.

While inaugurating the 29-member state executives of the association, Barrister Samuel Awak Essien charged all the group members to go and regulate produce for the benefit of the state and the association.

The inaugurated members of the state executive include the following: Elder Eno Clement Umana, President; Mr. Joseph Ime Samuel, Secretary; Elder Anietie Joseph Edem, Treasurer; Mr. Uduak Etim, PRO; and Mr. Peter Akpan, Adviser.

Other members of the state executives include Mr. Efiok Okorie, Mr. Victor Essien, Mr. Ime Edet Peter, Mr. Utomobong Etim, Mrs. Idopise Akpan Umana, Mr. Paul Frank, Mr. Etim Okon Etim, Mr. Moses Moses Unam, Mrs. Nsidebe Okon, Mr. Mbosowo Otu, Mr. Anietie Sunday, and Mrs. Esther Uduak. Mr. Israel Monday, Mr. Ubong Dan, Mr. Daniel Eyo Afia, and Mr. Andino Okon Etim

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated State Executive Committee, the President, Elder Eno Clement Umana, thanked the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Dr. John James Etim, who he said gave open arms on their first visit to the ministry.

Mr. Umana further appreciated the collaborative effort of the outgoing permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr. Oliver Udoukpo, the new permanent secretary, Dr. Stephen Ita, as well as all directors, re-echoing their readiness to deliver on the mandate bestowed on them.

“We’re delighted to be inaugurated today. As a team, we’ll work assiduously to redeem the lost glory of the association.

“For the confidence the ministry has reposed in us today, by the grace of God, we’ll not disappoint you,” he pledged.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Investment at the event includes Mrs. Peace Sambo, Assistant Director of Produce, Produce Inspection Staff Welfare Association (PISWA); president, Mr. Victor Ulor; representatives of ARISE PALM Products Limited; Area Officer, Nsit Ibom; Mrs. Mfonobong; and Area Officer, Oron; and Mrs. Alice, among other dignitaries.