Asuquo Cletus
The chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi, KSJI, has pledged to facilitate the construction of a road linking Okarara Community in Eku Ward to the Calabar-Ekang Road.
Hon Akposi made the pledge during a high-profile visit to the community, where he assessed its needs firsthand and strengthened partnerships for sustainable development.
The Chairman’s visit, undertaken in strategic collaboration with the management of Ayip Eku Oil Palm Estates, marked a significant milestone in fostering synergy between the local government and corporate stakeholders. The estate’s management reaffirmed their willingness to work with the council to ensure seamless and mutually beneficial operations within the community.
Speaking to the Ntufam Council, Hon. Akposi underscored the importance of government intervention in Okarara, acknowledging the community’s longstanding support, particularly in donating land for the oil palm estate.
He said “You have consistently supported the government, and it is only right that the government reciprocates. Based on your outlined needs, we will commence with the road infrastructure, and from there, other projects will follow. You have not requested political appointments, but in the next phase, Okarara will certainly be considered.”
However, he urged residents to take ownership of government-provided infrastructure, cautioning that sustainable development requires active community participation and vigilance. He also emphasised peaceful coexistence with neighbouring landlord communities, highlighting transparency and inclusivity as key to preventing conflicts.
“One thing is for the government to provide amenities; another is for the community to protect them. This oil palm plantation has other landlord communities, and it is crucial that you embrace fairness and inclusivity to avoid friction. Be your brother’s keeper,” he advised.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the community, Acting Village Head, Ntufam Christopher Ekun, commended the Chairman’s proactive approach.
“When we received your letter informing us of your visit, it felt like a dream. The last time a political figure visited Okarara was in 1999, during a campaign period. No Chairman has ever come here, yet you are here today, not just to visit, but to streamline our partnership with Ayip Eku Management and advance our developmental agenda. We are grateful and will support you in all your political endeavours,” he declared.
The community submitted a six-point development request to the Chairman and Ayip Eku Estates management, highlighting critical needs such as a borehole, road rehabilitation, communication network expansion, and interventions in health and education.
Responding on behalf of Ayip Eku Oil Palm Estates, Managing Director, Mr. Muyi Ladoja, acknowledged past challenges in community engagement but assured the people of improved collaboration.
“We may have made mistakes in our initial approach, but we are ready to adjust. I have been in discussions with some of your stakeholders, and we are open to finding solutions. We have been in this business for a long time, and we understand that working in harmony with host communities is key,” he stated.
Adding a spiritual perspective, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ntekim, Parish Priest of the Catholic Parish in Okarara, lauded the Chairman for his honesty and commitment to action.
“I have listened to you keenly, and I appreciate your transparency. The community’s proposals have all been summarised into one because, as you rightly pointed out, one developmental step leads to another. For Ayip Eku Management, I urge transparency—where there is no transparency, there is bound to be confusion, and confusion breeds discontentment,” he remarked.
The Chairman’s visit was accompanied Elder Abednego Okon (Supervisor for Works and Infrastructure), Mr. Paulinus Ekpe Edet (Supervisor for Finance), and Mr. Sylvester Ntui (Special Adviser on Peace and Security).
Representing Ayip Eku Oil Palm Estates were Anietie Akpan (Estate Manager), Akwo Samuel (Finance and Administration), Barr. Adebisi Adebayo (Legal), and Pastor Oliver Ntui (Development Manager).
From the community, notable figures in attendance included Ntufam Felix Biyunghi, Ntufam Lawrence Erim, Ntufam Michael Ason, Ntufam Paul Effim, and Ntufam Celestine Ekpe, and other senior government officials.
