Osinbajo Flags Off Hydro Graphic Survey, Dredging Of Oguta/Orashi River in Imo State

Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has flagged off the hydro graphic survey and dredging of Oguta/Orashi River in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo.

The dredging of the river will link Imo to Degema in Rivers and to the Atlantic Ocean.

Speaking at the ceremony on the bank of the Oguta/Orashi River, Osinbajo said the project would connect waterways to hinterlands and expand Nigeria’s shipping and agricultural sectors.

Osinbajo explained that it would also expand Nigeria‘s free trade zone and facilitate her contribution to trade in Africa and the world.

He urged Nigerians to cooperate with Imo government and with the Nigerian Navy to ensure that the project came to fruition.

“Today marks an important milestone in the economic development of Imo; the Southeast and Nigeria at large and could not have come at a better time than now,’’ the VP said.

In his remarks, the Imo State Governor. Hope Uzodimma expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his support in the recovery of Imo from the hands of bandits.

Uzodimma said the project would be executed through public-private partnership, and would create additional employment opportunities for Imo people.

In his words: “This project is a harbinger of several other multifaceted projects encapsulated in the socioeconomic development of Imo with capacity to equip the Southeast with a robust and self-sufficient economy.

“We shall establish an industrial cluster in the area to aid economic activities. Imo and the private sector will fund the project in synergy with the Nigerian Navy.’’

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, in his remarks also thanked President Buhari for the leverage to build the capacity of the Nigerian Navy and the military at large.

In his remarks, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, said the project would provide the enabling environment for wealth generation and movement of goods and services.

Gambo called for a quick dredging of the access route and also thanked President Buhari for the provision of effective hydro graphic services.

He also thanked Uzodimma for partnering with the Nigerian Navy and called on the host communities to protect and preserve the legacy.

President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu described the dredging as a dream come true and urged government to speedily actualise the project.

Iwuanyanwu said “Ndigbo are happy; Igbo are grateful. Igbo people in diaspora are ready to contribute to the funding of the project, if need be.’’

Iwuanyanwu declared also that Igbo people had no intention of seceding from Nigeria and pleaded with President Buhari to actualise the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu before the end of his tenure.

The event was attended by prominent traditional rulers including the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Other dignitaries were Minister for Trade and Investments, Alhaji Muazu Sambo; former Imo governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim and former Chairman of INEC, Prof. Maurice Iwu.