In avowed determination to impact the economic lives of the people, Akwa Ibom State government and Seven Star Bamboo Fibre Manufacturing Company, France have entered into a partnership deal for the cultivation of bamboo trees in the state.
Already, the state government has expressed its willingness to provide 1,000 hectares of land against the 600 hectares requested by World Bamboo Organization for the cultivation of bamboo trees and establishment of Bamboo Fibre Factory in the state.
Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom governor, who stated this at Government House, Uyo when a team of bamboo experts paid him a courtesy visit, said the initiative would open doors of employment opportunities to Akwa Ibom people.
Emmanuel reiterated administration his commitment to deliver his cardinal objectives especially wealth creation and economic prosperity.
The Governor announced plans to set up a bamboo nursery with proper farming and irrigation system for greater yields and harvesting of bamboo twice a year.
“Help us talk to United Nations for funding. Let them know that we have everything it takes for us to feed bamboo to the world and all ancillary products that comes from bamboo. We have the right soil and climate with adequate rainfall and sunlight”, the Governor enumerated.
While appreciating the team for choosing Akwa Ibom to be the first state in Africa to enter into the collaboration with the organization, he thanked them for inviting him to attend World Bamboo Conference to be held in Mexico, next year, saying that “this would avail him an opportunity to speak at the event and showcase Nigeria and Akwa Ibom in particular.”
Earlier, the President, World Bamboo Organization, Mr. Michael Abadie, had said he was delighted to partner the state government on bamboo cultivation, indicating that Akwa Ibom was the first state in Africa to enter into the bamboo development business.
Mr. Abadie noted that the step would remain as a future legacy in the state, and acknowledged that Akwa Ibom was lucky to have abundance of products, using the forum to invite the governor to the World Bamboo Conference in Mexico.
The team included the President, Bamboo Science and Innovation/ World Bamboo Ambassador, Mr. Jean-Luc Kouyoumji; Director, Seven Star Bamboo Fibre Manufacturing Company Limited, Mr. Zubeyir Gulabi; Bamboo Process Engineer, Mr. Ali Korkmazer; the Facilitator and Bamboo Entrepreneur, Mr. Ukeme Nya.
