Cross River Hands Over CREL to Wilmar Subsidiary, Rebrands It Uyanga Oil Palm Estate
By Ebi COLLINS
Cross River State Government has officially handed over the defunct Cross River Rubber Estate Limited (CREL) to Biase Plantations Limited, a subsidiary of Wilmar International, heralding a new era of agricultural and economic transformation.
At a colourful handover ceremony held in Uyanga, Akamkpa Local Government Area, the estate was formally rebranded as Uyanga Oil Palm Estate. The event drew a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, state lawmakers, local government authorities, security agencies, and senior government officials, all united in commendation of the government’s bold move.
Representing Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, described the handover 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.”
He noted that the successful repossession of the 8,521-hectare estate was made possible through a consent judgment issued by the High Court in Calabar, effectively ending years of legal and administrative battles over the property. Hon. Ebokpo acknowledged the instrumental role played by the former managers, legal teams, and particularly the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ededem Ani, in facilitating the peaceful transition.
“Today, we usher in a new chapter as Biase Plantations Limited assumes stewardship of this strategic asset,” he said. “This transition is expected to spur employment, invigorate rural economies, and boost the state’s GDP.”
He emphasized that the administration of Senator Prince Bassey Otu remains committed to inclusive development, urging the new managers to prioritize local content, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility.
“You must uphold the highest standards of fair employment practices and build harmonious relationships with the host communities,” he charged. “Local people must be at the center of this transformation.”
Hon. Ebokpo further called on host communities to support the initiative with peace and cooperation, adding, “This handover proves that with dialogue, commitment, and rule of law, we can reclaim and reposition our assets for the greater good.”
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Arumugam Ananth, General Manager of Biase Plantations Ltd, thanked the state government for its trust and reaffirmed Wilmar’s commitment to investing in the estate beyond cultivation.
“Wilmar has come not only to grow crops but to cultivate opportunities and uplift lives,” he said. He announced plans to revive the estate’s school, establish a training center, and offer employment to local residents, pledging that all commitments made would be honoured.
He also recognized the traditional rulers and community leaders for ensuring a peaceful handover process.
The Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, HRM Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani, hailed the state government’s intervention and urged Biase Plantations to deliver on its promises. “We are hopeful that this long-awaited development will bring prosperity to our people. You have our full support,” he declared.
Also present were the Member representing Akamkpa I Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Ntufam Okon Owuna; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Pius Ankpo; Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture Development, Ntufam Emmanuel Anom; and Chairman of Akamkpa LGA, Hon. Felix Akposi. Each speaker echoed the need for responsible asset management and sustainable growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Uyangha community, Hon. Chief Bassey Apheba, alongside youth and women leaders, expressed gratitude to the state government for what they described as a “life-changing initiative.” They pledged their cooperation and looked forward to a new era of opportunity and development.
Prior to the public handover, a formal meeting was convened in Calabar by the Agriculture Commissioner, during which Barr. Andrew Odum (SAN), counsel to Enghaut Nigeria Limited, handed over legal documents to Barr. Johnny Agim (SAN), head of the state government’s legal team. These documents were transmitted to the Ministry of Justice through Barr. Sadiq Yakuba, who finally handed them to Hon. Ebokpo on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture.
All legal transfers and documentation were processed through the Office of the Attorney General and witnessed by officials from both parties to ensure full transparency and compliance.
