The Cross River State government has signed a concession agreement with ValueFronteira Limited for the development of a 4,000-hectare greenfield oil palm plantation in Ijiegu-Yache and adjoining clans in Yala Local Government Area of the state.

The agreement was signed as part of the state government’s agricultural transformation programme aimed at boosting food security, rural development and job creation.

As a prelude to the commencement of the project, the state government formally introduced the company to host communities in Yache nation at a stakeholders’ meeting and site handover ceremony held in Ijiegu-Yache.

The meeting brought together representatives of six clans in Yache nation – Ijiegu, Wonye, Uchu, Ichui, Ukani and Ewor.

The state government delegation at the ceremony included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Director-General of the Bureau of Public Private Partnerships, Dr Francis Ntamu; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Solicitor-General of the state, Rosemary Onah; and the Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Brian Ugbe, who represented the Commissioner for Agriculture.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of ValueFronteira Limited, Mr Maurice Ekpong, said the company will invest over $20 million within five years to establish the plantation.

He said the project will create thousands of jobs and impact the economy of the host communities and the state.

Traditional rulers and community representatives at the meeting expressed support for the project.

Community leaders, youth representatives and women leaders who spoke at the meeting said the project has the potential to provide employment for young people and improve livelihoods in the area.