Okowa, Uduaghan, commends FG for plans to make Warri Port Function Optimally Again

… As 1st Warri Economic Summit Holds

 

 

Daniel Efe/Port Harcourt

 

 

DELTA State Governor,  Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and his predecessor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan have said machineries are in motion for the dredging of the Forcados River which will lead to full operations of the Warri Port.

 

The duo spoke yesterday  at the maiden edition of Warri Economic Summit held in Warri,  Warri South local government area of Delta State. 

 

According to the Governor, “it is our sincere hope that with the anticipated dredging of the Escravos bar, bigger ships can berth at the Warri port and this should lead more businesses to return to Warri, the industrial hub of Delta State.”

 

“Let me use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Port Authority for awarding the contract for the dredging of the Escravos channel; this project is necessary for the port to regain its pivotal role in the economy and it is my belief that we can use the port as a platform to promote the growth and transformation of the State and national economies,” the Governor said. 

 

The Governor disclosed that to ensure hitch free movement to the Warri Port, his administration has secured more than 50 hectares of land through the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom for the construction of tankers’ park.

 

While asserting that his administration was committed to providing a congenial atmosphere for private enterprises to flourish by proving peace and the building of strategic infrastructures across the State, the Governor stated, “the theme for this summit: Warri Rising is most appropriate, Warri is no doubt the economic nerve center of the State and also the most populated; it is that, which makes this summit critical to our overall vision to develop the State; Warri began trading with Europe more than 500 years ago.”

 

Governor Okowa  urged the people to remain peaceful and avoid criminal activities.

To former Governor Uduaghan, “the youths must accept that the Warri Port must work, this whole exercise is about the youths, their future and I congratulate Hon. Tidi for organising this event.”

He noted that efforts are on for the dredging of the Forcados River adding that blame game should stop and the people should take responsibilities for their actions.

 

Former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Prince Raymond Temisan Omatseye, said, Warri Port cannot function with collaborative efforts with other local government areas.

 

He emphasised that the Escravos Bar will be dredged for the Koko and Warri Ports to be functional and called on the youths to ensure peaceful environment for development projects to take place.

 

Chairman of Warri South local government area, Hon. Michael Tidi had in an address, said the economic summit was important because, “Warri needs to regain her pride of place as a business hub in Nigeria and in West Africa and the 2-day summit is to rebrand Warri away from negative connotations of the last decade or two, identify sector Warri can be number 1 or 2 in business within the next 3 years and identify what can be done to revive maritime trade in Warri within the next 6-12 months.”

 

 

Also Read: Okowa Gets Vote Of Confidence From Delta Central Traditional Rulers

 

 

TRADITIONAL rulers from Delta Central Senatorial District have passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, expressing satisfaction with his administration’s delivery of dividends of democracy.

 

The traditional rulers  met with the Governor yesterday  at the Palace of the Orodje of Okpe, HRM Orhue 1, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd), in Okpe local government area of Delta State.

 

Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, HRM(Engr.)Mike Omeru Ogurimerime Ukori I, in moving the motion for vote of confidence, commended Governor Okowa for the respect he has  for the traditional institution in Delta State, stating, “for the first time in the history of Delta State, we have a Governor who relates well with the traditional rulers to brief them about what his administration is doing.”

 

“We raised some issues which he addressed to our satisfaction,” he said, adding, “we are with you (Governor Okowa), come rain, come shine, and I, HRM Mike Omeru Ogurimerime Ukori I, move that we pass a vote of implicit confidence on the administration of Governor Okowa,” the Agbon King stated.

 

The motion was seconded by the Okobaro  of Ughievwen, HRM Matthew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa II and was endorsed by the more than 18 traditional rulers in Urhobo land who attended the meeting.

 

Orodje of Okpe in a brief speech, described Governor Okowa as  a performer, noting that the deliberation at the meeting was good.

 

In his response, Governor Okowa expressed satisfaction that the traditional rulers appreciated what his administration was doing to transform Delta State.

 

“I came to brief the traditional rulers about what we have been doing as a government  and to thank them for keeping their kingdoms peaceful,” he said, adding, “I am here to also thank them for their support for my administration, there is no event that we have had without the presence of the traditional rulers, they have encouraged my administration in so many ways, through their efforts, Fulani herdsmen/farmers clashes did not escalate and the peaceful environment provided the opportunity for us to work in the state,” the Governor who was accompanied by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori stated.

 

Read Also: Okowa Lauds Commencement Of Academic Activities At Maritime University