***Hands over the Plantto Dekina LGA
Acharu Palm Oil Mills which remained moribund for over 30 years is now ready for production as Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho), representing Kogi East has made real his promise to revive it and has handed it over to Dekina local government area after its turn around maintanance
In the 1950s and 1960s, Kogi State was a significant producer and exporter of palm oil and palm kernels. Pyramids made of palm kernels were present at that time in the John Holt Warehouses in Idah.
In addition, Idah River Port loaded palm kernels every year for shipment to Europe via Delta Inland Port of Burutu.
Palm Oil Mill was therefore established in Acharu through Nigeria Institute for Oil-palm Research (NIFOR) in order to add impetus to the flourishing palm oil industry in Kogi State.
Primarily, NIFOR was to step up the experiment on palm oil products and to develop a robust, useful, and sustainable palm oil output for the country.
Regrettably, the Acharu Oil Mill in Egume, Kogi State, was not only abandoned, but it was also left to decay until the goal getter senator came to rescue it.
The technocrat politician with a background in business succeeded in reviving the oil mill to change the economic landscape of Kogi East.
The Senator, while handing over the Plant to the local government on Sunday, described the project as “a promise made and kept” for the overall economic development of Acharu community, Dekina LGA and the state at large.
Senator Echocho was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Alhaji Abubakar Rajab
The Caretaker Chairman, Dekina LGC, Hon John Urah Ikani, while receiving the plant, commended the Senator for the laudable project, stressing that the Plant will change the face of Acharu economy and the state at large when put into use.
He charged the people of Acharu to take the ownership of the plant and to protect it against vandalism.
Rajab, on behalf of his Principal, assured the people of Acharu of more dividends of democracy.
The brief ceremony was witnessed by representatives of Acharu community and other notable people from the state