In a bold demonstration of his administration's commitment to agricultural development, wealth creation, and grassroots economic empowerment, the Executive Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. Amb. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, officially flagged off the distribution of 15,000 oil palm seedlings to beneficiaries drawn from various wards and communities across the Local Government Area.
...Akposi Deepens Agricultural Empowerment Drive
The ceremony, which took place at the Council's Oil Palm Nursery Site shortly after the historic assent ceremony of three Executive Bye-Laws, attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, agricultural stakeholders, government officials, beneficiaries, and other critical stakeholders who witnessed the symbolic presentation of seedlings to the first batch of beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Akposi reiterated that the primary objective behind raising the seedlings was to directly benefit the people and stimulate agricultural productivity across Akamkpa.
According to the Chairman, the initiative was deliberately designed as a free empowerment programme aimed at supporting genuine farmers and encouraging large-scale cultivation of oil palm within the Local Government Area.
"From the records available to me, sixty persons will benefit from this gesture and the least you can cultivate is a hectare," the Chairman stated.
"I made my position very clear. These palm seedlings is free. No one bought the form used in shortlisting the beneficiaries. All the beneficiaries were recommended to us by various stakeholders from different wards and communities, as we insisted on real farmers and not those who will collect palm seedlings only to sell them out."
He urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity by cultivating the seedlings and contributing meaningfully to the agricultural and economic growth of Akamkpa, Cross River State and the entire nation.
Also speaking at the event, the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, HRM. (Ophot) Amb. Dr. Agbor Ewa Ebani, commended the Council Chairman for what he described as a visionary and people-oriented initiative capable of transforming the economic fortunes of many families.
While presenting seedlings to some of the beneficiaries, the revered monarch advised them against selling the seedlings, stressing that the programme presents a rare opportunity for long-term prosperity.
In a symbolic comparison, the Royal Father described the beneficiaries as the "indigenous Wilmar," drawing parallels with the success of Wilmar International, one of the world's leading agribusiness companies with operations in Akamkpa.
"The Council Chairman has, through this initiative, created indigenous Wilmars in our communities. This is not merely the distribution of seedlings; it is the planting of prosperity and the creation of future wealth for our people," he remarked.
He further described the initiative as an act of goodwill, divine inspiration, and responsible leadership, while calling on other leaders and well-meaning individuals to embrace similar programmes aimed at giving back to the people.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Christopher Egot of New Ekuri in Iko Ward and Mr. Simon Attah of Nsan Community in Awi Ward expressed profound gratitude to God and the Council Chairman for the gesture.
The beneficiaries disclosed that they initially doubted the authenticity of the programme because of its completely free nature but were pleasantly surprised by the transparency and sincerity demonstrated throughout the process.
"We feel very proud to be beneficiaries of this free distribution of oil palm seedlings. We make bold to say that we did not pay a dime for it," they stated.
"When we received the forms, we had our misgivings, especially when we were told everything was free. It sounded too good to be true, but today all of that is history. We are grateful to the Chairman and everyone who made this possible."
Earlier, the Supervisor for Agriculture, Mr. Bassey Eyo Ikey, provided clarification on the distribution process, emphasizing that the exercise was only commencing with the flag-off ceremony and would continue until all approved beneficiaries receive their allocations.
"This is only a flag-off ceremony. The distribution will continue until all beneficiaries, based on recommendations made by their various communities and stakeholders, are attended to," he explained.
The initiative forms part of the Akposi administration's broader agricultural development strategy aimed at promoting food security, encouraging agribusiness participation, creating sustainable livelihoods, and positioning Akamkpa as a major hub for oil palm production in Cross River State.
The event concluded with the presentation of seedlings to beneficiaries, inspection of the nursery facility by dignitaries and stakeholders, and a commemorative photo session to mark another milestone in the Council's drive towards economic empowerment and inclusive rural development.
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