By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
No fewer than 100 youths from six hosts communities of Dakkada Global Oil Palm Limited have protested against non-employment and marginalisation in the company.
The youths from Etebi Idung Assan, Ntak Inyang, Orukin, Unyenghe, Udung Ukpo and Akwata carried placards with inscriptions such as ” No single employment of indigene during this administration”, “Mr Ofonime Okpok, don’t take our palm fruits and sell to your community again”.
Other inscription are, “We need investors not political associates”, “Governor change the Manager”, “His Excellency what is worth doing, is worth doing well and among others.
The spokesperson of the protesters, who is the youths President of Etebi Idung Assan, Mr Anietie Matthew expressed dissatisfaction with the management of the plantation, alleging that it has failed to prioritize the welfare of host communities.
“During the 2023 governorship campaign, Gov. Umo Eno promised the host communities an employment but unfortunately nothing has been done up till now,” Matthew said.
He accused a company official, Mr Ofonime Okpok of alledgly collecting N10m from indigenous women for the purchase of palm fruits without supplying the produce.
“The Manager allegedly collected the sun of N10 million from women of the communities with a promise of selling palm fruits to them but failed,” he accused.
Also speaking, Mr Uduak Inyang, youth president of Urueffong-Uruko claimed that the equipment at the old mill within the facility has been vandalised.
Inyang also alleged that an abandoned labour camp previously used by Akwa Palm industries had been damaged with roofing materials reportedly removed and sold as scrap.
He called on Gov. Umo Eno to intervene by ensuring the fulfillment of promises made to the communities before and during the 2023 election.
Inyang further demanded the refund of N10 million for allegedly paid by local women for palm fruits not supplied.
He warned that no harvesting of palm fruits should take place in the plantation until the company, under the supervision of the Akwa Ibom Government addresses their demands.
Efforts to obtain comments from the company management were unsuccessful at the time of filling this report.
