The Cross River State Government has officially transferred ownership of the defunct Cross River Rubber Estate Limited (CREL), previously operated by Enghaut Nigeria Limited, to Biase Plantations Limited, a subsidiary of Wilmar International.

The handover ceremony, held in Uyangha, Akamkpa Local Government Area, attracted stakeholders from across the state, including traditional rulers, youth and women leaders from the host communities, senior government officials, local government authorities, members of the State House of Assembly, and security agencies. Attendees widely praised the state government for what they described as a transformative initiative.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, described the event as “a symbol of renewal, accountability, and the unwavering resolve of this administration to reposition Cross River State on the path of sustainable agricultural and economic transformation,” assuring that more life-changing programmes are underway as the government is set to revamp all abandoned state assets to improve the lives of Cross Riverians.

He explained that the handover was made possible following “a consent judgment graciously issued by the High Court in Calabar,” through which the state government peacefully regained ownership of the 8,521-hectare estate after a long-standing legal and administrative process.

He acknowledged the cooperation of all parties involved, including the former managers and legal teams, especially the pivotal role of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ededem Ani.

“Today, we usher in a new chapter as Biase Plantations Limited assumes stewardship of this strategic asset,” he declared, noting that the new operators intend to convert the estate into a large-scale oil palm plantation.

According to him, the transition is expected to yield multiple benefits, including employment generation, stimulation of rural economies, and a significant boost to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He emphasised that the administration of Senator Otu is committed not just to economic advancement but also to “inclusive and equitable development.”

“Local content and local people must remain at the heart of this new beginning,” he asserted, urging Biase Plantations Limited to “uphold the highest standards of corporate social responsibility, embrace fair and transparent employment practices, and foster harmonious relationships with host communities.”

The governor also charged the host communities to support the initiative by maintaining peace and providing a conducive environment for business to thrive. “May this moment remind us all that 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 acceptance speech, Mr. Arumugam Ananth, General Manager of Biase Plantations Ltd., expressed appreciation to the Cross River State Government for the trust it had placed in the company. He highlighted the existing and rewarding relationship between the state and Wilmar International. He pledged that the company would restore the estate in line with the terms of the new agreement, assured that Wilmar has come not only to cultivate crops, but also to cultivate opportunities and shape lives in Cross River State.

He announced that the estate would now be known as Uyangha Oil Palm Estate and listed several commitments, including the revival of the estate’s school, the establishment of a training centre, and the creation of employment opportunities for residents. He also acknowledged the role of the traditional institutions and community leaders in facilitating a peaceful handover process.

The Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, HRM Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani, commended the state government’s effort in repositioning the estate for greater heights and urged the new managers to honour all their promises. He expressed hope that the project would finally bring long-awaited development to the area while pledging the host community’s total cooperation.

In their separate remarks, stakeholders and community representatives expressed gratitude to the government for prioritising community welfare. They emphasised that the handover marks a new era of hope and opportunity for the people of Uyangha and neighbouring areas.