Over 8,500 farmers have established viable agribusiness ventures in the agro-allied sector as part of efforts to boost production and ensure food sufficiency in Akwa-Ibom State.
The investment opportunities are in fish farming, palm fruit cultivation, palm oil processing and many other ventures.
In addition, more than 500 new entrepreneurs have been empowered with training programmes for business operators in the state under the new initiative development agenda known as Dakkada philosophy.
Sam Edoho, senior special assistant to Akwa Ibom governor on marketing and brand management made this known during a business forum in Uyo, the state capital.
He said a total of N31 million has been disbursed to cooperative societies in all the local government areas of the state.
“Let me state here that Dakkada multipurpose cooperative society is another bold step of this administration towards empowering the people,” he said.
Edoho described the Dakkada business forum as an opportunity to exchange ideas of economic importance adding that it would become a milestone and a formidable economic institution on its own.
The Dakkada business forum was organised as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The forum also witnessed an exhibition of agricultural products and services being provided in the state.
ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo
