Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom on Wednesday inaugurated a Coconut Refinery in Mkpat-Enin in continuation of activities to mark his second year in office.
Mr. Emmanuel, who performed the exercise at the Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo axis of the state, said that coconut was created by God with over 360 uses.
The governor, who projected 18 months for the completion of the refinery, promised to bring in more foreign investors who had declared interest in the project.
He lamented that some youths were out to frustrate the efforts of his administration and warned that those who destroyed the seedlings at the coconut plantation would be arrested and prosecuted.
The governor urged village heads to caution their youths to cooperate and protect government investments in their domains rather than engaging in acts of sabotage and vandalism.
He warned that government would not hesitate to withdraw certificates of village and clan heads whose subjects stalled government development projects.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Uduak Udoinyang, said he was excited because Governor Emmanuel fulfilled his promise in line with his five-point agenda.
Onur Kumral, the Contractor handling the refinery, said oil from coconut was more expensive than crude oil and assured that the project would be completed on schedule.
The state House of Assembly member for Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo Consituency, Uduak Ududoh, who spoke for the community, commended the governor for keeping to his electoral promises of providing employment opportunities to indigenes of the area.
In a goodwill message, Otobong Ndem, representing Mkpat Enin in the House of Assembly, said the governor had shown commitment to develop the area and thanked him for the newly constructed roads.
Mr. Ndem said the people would support the governor and would vote for his return into office for a second term in 2019.
(NAN)
