Akwa Ibom State Govt to Commence Tomato Paste Production
- Akwa Ibom state is set to commence tomato paste production as the state government move towards self-sufficiency in agriculture
- Already, the modalities to kick-off the production in the south-south state has kicked off
- Also, 169 youths in Akwa Ibom state have completed training on vegetable enterprise development
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Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state has set modalities to commence commercial production of tomato puree - the concentrate used for making tomato paste.
The commissioner for trade and investment, Barr. Ukpong Akpabio gave this hint during the graduation ceremony organised for 169 youths who successfully completed training in vegetable enterprise development in the state recently.
A statement sent to Legit.ng by the Akwa Ibom government on Monday, May 17 indicates that the event was held in Okobo local government area of the state on Friday, May 14.
Source: Facebook
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Barrister Akpabio, who was represented by the permanent secretary in his ministry, Mr. Oliver Udo-okpo, stated that the government is taking steps to ensure youths are sufficiently and productively engaged in agriculture and food production.
His words:
“His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, has given us the directive to bring tomato puree factory to the state in no distant future and your tomato farms located across the state will supply raw materials needed for commercial production of tomato paste.”
He commended the trainees for their perseverance and focus throughout the two-month intensive training programme despite several hurdles, saying those challenges only served to strengthen them.
The commissioner thanked the consulting firm which handled the training for partnering government in taking youths off vices such as arm robbery, hooliganism, prostitution e.t.c.
In his vote of thanks, one of the trainees, Mr. Edem Ebong, thanked Governor Emmanuel for providing platforms to gainfully employ Akwa Ibom youths.
Ebong however appealed for support from the government to assist trainees to form cooperatives and start their own farms.
Recall that two months ago, Governor Emmanuel signed an agreement for the citing of a multi-billion fertilizer plant in Akwa Ibom state.
The agreement between OCP Africa, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, and the Akwa Ibom state government is expected to birth one of the biggest investments in the fertilizer production industry globally.
Meanwhile, Governor Emmanuel has assured that his administration is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that investments that belong to the Akwa Ibom people are not left to waste, but are been put into productive use.
The governor made the promise on Thursday, February 11 while inaugurating a shopping mall at the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Complex, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.
Source: Legit.ng
