On Thursday, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo flagged off the hydrographic survey and dredging of Orashi River and Oguta Lake, both in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
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The survey which is a precursor to the clearance of the entire route from Oguta Lake to Orashi River to Degema and the Atlantic ocean was initiated by Governor Hope Uzodimma to open up the economic corridor in the south-east and enhance maritime security in the Niger Delta region.
It would be executed under the partnership of the Nigerian Navy with the consortium of international companies, essentially a Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The Vice-President stated during the flag off ceremony on the bank of the Oguta/Orashi River, that the project would connect waterways to hinterlands and expand Nigeria’s shipping and agricultural sectors.
“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,’’ he said.
According to the Vice President, “This project is vital for collaboration between state government and Nigeria Navy and consortium of technical partners initiated and approved under the stewardship president Muhammadu Buhari, and Governor Hope Uzodimma.
“Tracing the history, he said as far back as 1914, the British understanding the strategic importance connecting the hinterland to the coast utilize this route for smooth export of crude oil produce produce such as palm oil from Oguta to it’s neighboring states.
In his remarks, Imo’s Gov. Hope Uzodimma thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his support in the recovery of Imo from the hands of bandits.
He said the project would be executed through a public-private partnership and would create additional employment opportunities for Imo people.
“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,’’ he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor thanked President Buhari for the leverage to build the capacity of the Nigerian Navy and the military at large.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, in his remarks said the project would provide the enabling environment for wealth generation and movement of goods and services.
President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu described the dredging as a dream come true and urged government to speedily actualise the project.
“Ndigbo are happy; Igbo are grateful. Igbo people in the diaspora are ready to contribute to the funding of the project if need be,’’ he said.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
