Saturday – July 12, 2025
In a historic ceremony marking the official handover of the Cross River Rubber Estate Limited (CREL) to Biase Plantations Limited, a subsidiary of Wilmar Nigeria, at the Headquarters of the Cross River Estates Uyanga. The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, who represented the Governor, described the event as “a symbol of renewal, accountability, and a firm commitment to sustainable agricultural and economic transformation in Cross River State.”
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, he noted that the 8,521-hectare estate in Uyanga, Akamkpa LGA, was peacefully recovered from Eng-Huat Nigeria Limited following a consent judgment by the High Court in Calabar. He commended the legal diligence and cooperation that led to the resolution of the long-standing dispute and hailed the new chapter as one that holds promise for economic revitalisation.
Ebokpo expressed confidence in Biase Plantations Limited’s plan to convert the estate into a productive oil palm plantation, stating it would “create jobs, stimulate rural economies, and boost the state’s GDP.” He urged the new operators to prioritise local content, community engagement, fair employment practices, and uphold high standards of corporate responsibility.
He also appreciated the legal counsels, the State Attorney General, and the Federal Ministry of Justice for their roles in facilitating the handover, while calling on host communities to support and maintain peace. “With commitment, dialogue, and respect for the rule of law, we can reclaim and reposition what is ours for greater prosperity,” he concluded.
In his address at the historic handover of the former Eng-Huat Plantations to Wilmar International, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, described the event as “a bold step towards building enduring prosperity for our people.” He emphasised the importance of partnerships, expressing confidence in Wilmar’s capacity to deliver lasting development, while highlighting that success is best achieved through “strong partnerships, mutual trust, and active synergy.”
He echoed the call of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for the employment of locals, stressing that Akamkpa is blessed with qualified sons and daughters who deserve meaningful roles beyond manual labour. “We are not just seeking employment; we are advocating for opportunity — the opportunity to lead, to grow, and to contribute meaningfully at the decision-making table,” he said, underscoring the need for empowerment and local inclusion in Wilmar’s operations.
Hon. Akposi also thanked Wilmar for its existing community interventions but urged for a deeper, more inclusive relationship. He called for “a bilateral bond in which both company and community flourish together,” expressing hope that Wilmar would be remembered not just as a business but as “a family that walked with us, built with us, and succeeded with us.”
Hon. Ebokpo presented the new management of the estate to the community while officially handing over the estate’s assets in a symbolic ceremony.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of Biase Plantations Limited, Ananth Arumugam emphasised the company’s commitment to partnership and inclusive development with the landlord communities. He described the handover as “more than just a ceremony — it is a celebration of partnership, trust, and a shared commitment to growth.” Acknowledging the significance of the Uyanga Oil Palm Estate, he affirmed Biase Plantations’ respect for the land, its heritage, and its people, assuring stakeholders that their relationship would be built on mutual respect and shared progress.
Arumugam highlighted that Biase Plantations, as part of Wilmar International, has a consistent track record of corporate social responsibility across all its estates. “We are not here only to cultivate oil palm. We are here to cultivate opportunities, and most importantly, empower people,” he stated, stressing that Wilmar operates with the values of honesty, integrity, and transparency. He noted that Wilmar is the highest employer and best taxpayer in Cross River State, a testament to its commitment to staff welfare and economic contribution.
He also celebrated the expansion of host communities from 20 to 28, reinforcing the company’s dedication to inclusive growth. “We proudly welcome 8 more communities under our inclusive development vision,” Arumugam said, signalling the company’s intent to deepen its social impact and strengthen its bond with local stakeholders.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ankpo Pius, joined by his counterpart, the Commissioner for Aquaculture, Fisheries and Livestock, Ntufam Emmanuel Anom, extolled the visionary leadership of Governor Otu in his efforts to recover all moribund assets of the state. They thanked him for bringing in Wilmar to take over the former Cross River Estates Limited that was mismanaged by Eng-Huat Industries.
Similarly, the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa Local Government, His Royal Majesty Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani, went spiritual by narrating the implications of the Eng-Huat presence, which many believe represented the lowest point of the estate’s mismanagement. He stated that if they had made even a little positive difference, “there would have been no need to bring in Wilmar.” He concluded that although their presence was seen as punishment, it has now brought the blessing the community is celebrating.
Ophot Hon. Bassey Opheba spoke on behalf of the landlord communities, describing the arrival of Wilmar as the epicentre of socioeconomic change for Akamkpa and Cross River State. Anchoring his presentation on value addition, revamping of the factory and other developmental initiatives. He reflected on the history of the estate and concluded with a special thank-you to the Governor of Cross River State for bringing Wilmar to transform the fortunes of the people.
The event concluded with closing remarks by the member representing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, Hon. (Ntufam) Okon Nyong Owuna who also made a strong point to Wilmar to look beyond oil palm cultivation but to revive other thriving ventures within the estate, the schools and the hospital. The highpoint of the event was the presentation of cultural display, (the Onene Dance) and other side attractions, marking a new beginning for Uyanga Oil Palm Estate.
