FG BEGINS HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY & DREDGING OF OGUTA-LAKE/ORASHI RIVER

 
REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

The Federal Government says the survey and dredging of Oguta Lake-Orashi River-Degema to the Atlantic Ocean, which cut across Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa States will boost the economic fortunes of the coastal region and the country at large.

At the inauguration of the hydrographic survey of the sea route in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said the project would complement the free oil and gas trade zone recently approved for the area by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He pledged the commitment of the Federal Government towards the realization of the project but called on communities within the coastal region to cooperate with all the stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of the project.

Professor Osinbajo commended Governor Uzodimma for his developmental efforts, noting that the Federal Government had embarked on numerous projects aimed at uplifting the people of the state.

The Imo State Governor, Chief Hope Uzodimma, said the survey and dredging of the sea route would enhance maritime security and facilitate economic growth in the south east.

He said the project would be executed under public private partnership to ensure timely completion.

The Vice President gave an assurance that the the present administration would continue to embark on projects that would help check unemployment, especially among the youths.

Former Governor of the state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; a former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho; the OOni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu commended the Imo State Government for its courage in embarking on the project, which would have direct impact on Nigerians and appealed to the people to support the Governor to actualize the project.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU