Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has planned to establish a model palm oil mill at Palm Plantation Farm known as Genevito Farm in Mkpat local government area of the state.
Speaking during the 75th birthday celebration of the Founder/President of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Akwa on Sunday, Eno said the Mill would be equivalent to the model of Songhai Farm in Benin Republic.
Genevito Farm is cultivated by Apostle Dr John Okoriko with over 4,000 palm trees spanning through 75 acres of land behind the Capitol Temple Ground of Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Mkpat Enin council area of the state.
The governor said the Mill would provide employment to rural dwellers and improve their economy in line with the A-R-I-S-E agenda of the state government.
“Apostle Okoriko I appreciate you because you don’t only preach the gospel. You use your hands to do something in addition to the gospel you preach to the people.
“Again you supported me openly while others were sycophants. You talked tough in all the fora during our campaign. I want to tell you thank you for your sincere support.
“You have been consistent in your preaching in the last 49 years. You are courageous. Keep on preaching and the Lord will be with you.
“You have contributed to the body of Christ. You preach in Akwa Ibom language for the understanding of your people.
“What unites us in this state is more than what separates us. I will support you in building the church. I can not be a pastor governor and can not support you to build a church as you supported me to be the governor of this state .”
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Earlier, Apostle Okoriko told the governor that he has preached in the last 49 years not minding opposition and persecution as well as other challenges.
Okoriko said he used his hands to work so that he would not be a burden to members of his church.
“The opposition, persecution and other challenges took various forms but the purpose of the Lord in my life and ministry has never been defeated.
“The latest of the challenges was my kidnapped which happened on this Capitol Temple Ground. ”
Okoriko maintained that he remained focused on his missionary work to sustain his vision.
“My vision is to build our National Convention Structure estimated at millions of naira as the Lord has blessed me with multiple followers.
“I will also evangelize to the whole world to fulfill my divine mandate of winning souls for Christ .”
Okoriko said he was born to see his father doing farm work and has continued to do the same not minding his missionary calling.
“I am bold to say that I was groomed in farming from my childhood by my late father. I am rich with a very large portion of land inherited from my ancestors located behind the church premises.
“In consultation with experts and the National Institute For Oil Palm Research ( NIFOR) I have been able to cultivate more than 4,000 stands of improved palm seedlings ” he said.
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