‘Ikom Cocoa factory has potential to generate $600m yearly’
Akwa Ibom State Government has called on stakeholders in the state’s tourism industry to collaborate towards achieving a viable and sustainable tourism industry.
The Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Grace Akpan, made the call in Uyo during a meeting with industry operators at the Hotels and Tourism Board, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
Akpan expressed appreciation to the tourism stakeholders for their dedication towards the growth of the private sector and pledged the ministry’s commitment to fostering a strong and effective partnership with them for a thriving tourism sector in the state.
She emphasised that a synergy between the government and stakeholders will yield significant mutual benefits for both parties as well as accelerate the state’s tourism growth, urging them to imbibe the spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
The Permanent Secretary said the ministry remained steadfast to its mission to position Akwa Ibom as a leading tourism hub, leveraging strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement to drive sustainable growth in the sector.
In their separate reactions, the stakeholders pledged their commitment to advancing the Arise Agenda of the tourism-friendly Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, even as they acknowledged the ministry’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive in the state.
They expressed their readiness to work collectively as a formidable team towards the state’s tourism development.
IN another development, the Ikom Cocoa Processing Factory, managed by AA Universal Bean & Co Ltd, has said that the factory has the potential to generate between $400 million and $600 million yearly for the Federal Government.
The Chairman, Chris Agara, disclosed this at the weekend to newsmen in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. He emphasised that the factory could quickly break even if provided with the right support and a conducive business environment. He said the set goal was to stop exporting raw cocoa beans, and instead process them into cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, cocoa powder, and possibly chocolate.
