Vice President Yemi Osibanjo has lauded the plan to dredge the Oguta/Orashi river as an economic transformation project, describing the effort as a game changer for the government of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the people of Imo State.
He spoke yesterday at Oguta at a ceremony to flag-off the hydro-graphic survey and dredging of Oguta Lake and Orashi River to Degema in Rivers State up to the Atlantic Ocean.
He noted that “the Federal Government will support the Imo State Government to bring the dredging of Oguta Lake and Orashi River Development Project to fruition” and urged all to join hands to achieve the project.
The Vice President expressed delight to be part of the ceremony and informed that the project was initiated and approved by President Muhammadu Buhari as a result of several demands made on him by Governor Uzodimma.
He said, “the project is to revive the economic channels and enhance coastal connectivity and ensure security on the stretch of the two rivers opening up to the Atlantic Ocean,” adding that “the project when realised will offer economic opportunities to the host communities, Imo State and Nigeria in general.”
Furthermore, he reminded the audience that the President has approved a Free Trade Zone that will leverage on the large gas carbon deposit in the area.
Osinbajo commended the foresight and political pragmatism of Governor Uzodimma and reiterated that “the project will not have been possible without Mr. President’s approval and Governor Uzodimma’s foresight,” hence he described the project as a game changer for the governor.
He said the project is a “unique one that comes with its economic transformation opening Imo State as a gate way to other West African Countries.”
