ARISE MILL OPENS IN EKET

... we'll soon commence garri processing, says Etimfon

By Admin

Akwa Ibom State government effort to promote agriculture in the state has yielded posítive result as more citizens engaged in agric businesses to stabilize food sufficiency.

Mrs. Etimfon Patrick Edoho

Today at Ikot Abia in Eket local government area, a new oil mill, Arise Mill commenced production of red oil to meet up with the demand at the market.

Speaking with this reporter, the Managing Director of Arise Mill, Mrs Etimfon Patrick Edoho said she has been nursing the idea of going to full fledge agric businesses especially farming and food production.

"I have an idea about oil milling and cassava processing and today I thank God for giving me the grace to start somewhere.

She said that she has been inspired with the Dakkada philosophy of governor Udom Emmanuel who has been very supportive with his visionary leadership by calling on Akwa Ibom people to get actively involved in full fledge agriculture for food sufficiency especially in a very challenging economy as a result of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking further, Mrs Etimfon Patrick who is former Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Project Supervision said she bought the land about three years ago and set up the Oil Mill but was concentrating on other business engagement but deem it necessary to commence full production today as the demand for red oil is in the increase.

She added that the Oil Mill has brought rural development to Ikot Abia and its environs as over twenty (20) staff including women are working with her, saying outside creating job opportunities for the youth and women, it will also help develop their skills in oil processing business.

The Arise Mill which she said was inspired by governor Udom Emmanuel's philosophy "dakkada" can boast of different equipment including palm fruit separator, palm kernel cracker/separator, hydraulic oil pressor, palm fruit bunch separator, kernel selector, cracker, cassava grinding machine with a Nissan diesel engine to power the equipment.

Etimfon thanked the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel for the opportunity offered her to served in his administration which has motivated her to embarked on many entrepreneurial ventures. She specifically thanked the Chairman, Foreign Direct Investment FDI, Mr. Gabriel Ukpe for supporting her to see her dream of starting full agriculture business come to manifestation.

She disclosed that as soon as possible, she will commence cassava processing as demand is also high due to the Covid-19 pandemic, appealing to government and corporate organization to support her as it will not only create jobs for the teeming youth and women but will also reduce crime rate in our society.