Multi Million Naira Cocoware House Inaugurated in Cross River

Precious Ugwuzor 

An indigenous company, the Starlink Global and Ideal Limited has inaugurated a multi million naira Starlink ware house complex in Cross River State.

The complex which is a 2,000 metric tonnes project is expected to house agro products from the central part of the state and prepare them for export. 

Speaking during the commissioning on Saturday in Ikom, Dr. Adeyemi Adeniji, MD/CEO, Starlink Global and Ideal Limited said agriculture opportunities abound in the country.

He decried the arbitrary taxes  imposed on exporters from the country and called for greater involvement of youths in the Agriculture sector.

“You know we have our problem now with differences in economic policies, JAPA syndrome, and with  Renewed Hope according to what the president said that if we explore and exploit all the opportunities around us then we can become a very great nation.

“We have the potentials, we are tired of being told we have the potentials to become a great nation, we need to change that to become a very great nation.

“You can see today we are looking at the farmers, what are the problems of the farmers  are the richest people in other countries like the United States, we need to create private companies to be intentional of developing this particular space.

“Today, if you want to export from here, you have a problem especially when you are talking about FX scarcity.

“Nigeria companies when we ship to China,  and you say the country of origin is Nigeria they will charge you ten per cent but if you get a country of origin to be Niger, a  French speaking country, they will waive it.

“They made it  uncompetitive, so what do you need to do, we need to internalise our thinking.

“What do we need to do, we have the population, and just need to boost the economy of this country and develop the taste of what we produce.

“That   is why we acquired the largest cocoa producing factory in Lagos we have started partnering with Ogun state and AfriExIm bank to establish the largest cashew processing factory.

“You cannot export stones, when you are looking at industrial revolution you need raw materials and where will the raw materials come from, is it when you have the average age of farmers now 40 and above, you need to start giving the younger ones the hope that they can do it and get there.

“As of today, I have 82 hectares of cocoa plantation, I am planting another 10 hectares in Osun State, 82 in Edo State,  we want to encourage young people to come in.

“We have about 62 per cent of arable land that has not been touched in Nigeria, the farmers herders crisis can be solved if government can be intentional about it.

“We are tired of potentials and just need to harness our God given talents and resources.

“Enough of the stories that Calabar port  cannot be dredged, that is why we demonstrated by bringing a smaller vessel.

“We are also going to bring a smaller vessel that will be loading between Calabar and Duala or Yaounde and those places, the rest of Cross Riverians should remain here and develop it.

“That is our objective, we cannot be waiting for government all the time.

“From the Ikom axis people who are indigenous we have 57 of them on our employment roll and we intend  to bring in more”, he said.

On her part, the state government representative, Director of Administration, Ministry of Commerce, Glory Odu-oji said the government is happy  that Starkink deemed it fit 

to make its presence felt in Ikom.  

“You are not only going to be carrying cocoa, but we look forward to a time you will be carrying cocoa beans out of Ikom.

“We are also happy that you want to give back to the community you are benefiting from and your action today shows that you are not just paying lip service but you mean business.

“The state governor is not relenting in his efforts to ensure the state hits the ground running particularly in the area of exports”, she said.

Also speaking, Executive Director/CEO , Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Dr. Ezra Yakusak

said the country  needs to evolve more foreign export as a means of survival.

He said the engagement is part of the efforts of the federal government to diversify exports and that 

Starlink is one of the companies that benefitted from the federal government export grant

He added that this goes to show that the grant was judiciously utilised and it also goes to assure the government that when grants are given like this they are well utilised.

Chairman Association of Cocoa farmers, Cross River State, Achu Bisong  said the commissioning 

goes to assure the youths and especially graduates from this part of the world that there is dignity in farming.

He stressed that Instead of going around looking for white collar jobs, youths can go into farming.

He commended the investors for bringing a wonderful development to Ikom and creating room for employment.

In the same, the Area Comptroller of Custom, who was represented by Bosun Akande also commended Starlink Global and Ideal Limited for the great initiative.

He however charged the marketers not to use the space for illegal business.