In a conversation with news men in his palace at Mbiabet Ikpe community, Obong Etim Edward Akpan called on the business moguls, cooperate firms and any interested government to invest in the Rice Farm which has shown practical capacity to generate high returns.
This was after he had clearly elucidated to men of the press that the Rice farm which began in 1950 has from inception been own and managed by private indigenes of the state. He further reiterated that the farm doesn’t belong to any agency or government as against the claims made by governor Udom Emmanuel.
The clan head further mentioned that they are in need of investors who will further develop the swamp to enhance the capacity of the rice farm.
Also speaking to the newsmen, the chairman of Mbiabet Ikpe Village Mr. Etim Okon added that the rice farm is owned by individuals and there is no form of assistance from the government.
They further complained that the rice mill in the community was in dire need of support as the facility is becoming obsolete. Mr. Josiah Udo Ekanem who is the mill operator had said that he himself renovated the mill for the community use and has not been able to access agricultural loan even after opening an account with the bank as directed.
