Environment

Tinubu Backs Dredging Of Oguta/Orashi River

Posted by: Quickresponse | September 26, 2023

...As Uzodimma receives survey report from Navy

Indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bought into the dredging of the Oguta/Orashi River up to the Atlantic Ocean emerged on Monday when Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State who initiated the project received the hydrographic and comprehensive bathymetric/ investigation survey report from the leadership of the Nigerian Navy.

Rear Admiral Hassan Kaoje, the Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nigerian Hydrological Agency led a team of top Naval officers to submit the report to Governor Uzodimma at the Government House Owerri.

The dredging of the Oguta Lake to Orashi River and to the Atlantic Ocean was flagged off by former President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by his deputy, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo on May 12, 2023.

Receiving the report at the New Executive Council Chambers Government House Owerri on Monday, September 25, 2023 Governor Uzodimma expressed delight receiving the report and described the project as very dear to him.

Governor Uzodimma who thanked former President Buhari and the former Chief of Naval Staff for approving and flagging off the project, also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the current Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, "for buying into the project which is expected to form the future economic hub of Imo State, South East and Nigeria in general."

Governor Uzodimma recalled that at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) many had thought it will not be possible to realise the project.

He therefore expressed delight that the first stage which is the survey has been completed and "the State is ready for the second stage with the continued support of the Navy and the Federal Government of Nigeria."

The Governor who said that “water is wealth in strong economy and other maritime nations,” noted that "most world powers and world economies are boosted through water and sea businesses."

He acknowledged that with the completion of the Hydrographic and Comprehensive Bathymetric/Investigative Survey Report of Charting of the Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean, and the necessary recommendations, "the State will embark on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other necessary arrangements that will lead into the dredging proper."

The Governor reiterated that the project was started to encourage gas optimisation in Imo State in particular and the South East in general and as an area suitable for Gas Industrial Cluster, Petrochemical Plant as well as Fertilizer Plant.

He reminded all well-meaning Nigerians that the need to create a sustainable economy in Imo State and by extension, the entire nation cannot be left to the Federal Government alone.

Furthermore, Governor Uzodimma noted that his administration and the government of Imo State are already considering Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the Maritime business from China and France to key into the project.

He said he is confident that the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean will create jobs, eliminate oil theft and help in the harnessing of the abundant gas deposit and other natural resources at the coast of Oguta Lake and Atlantic Ocean.

"This will be the future economic life-wire of the State."

He assured that with the submission of the report and advantages that will accrue from the dredging, "the 3R government will provide every possible thing required to achieve the project."

The Governor said he is expectant of the day the Oguta/Orashi route to the Atlantic will be realised, hence he urged the Navy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as Imo people, to continue to sustain their support and partnership toward the success of the project.