By Jennifer John
President Muhammadu Buhari has again granted a request made by the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, declaring Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema and environs, an oil and gas Free Trade Zone.
This development was made public by Vice President Yemi Oshinbajo who reaffirmed earlier information on that effect by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otumba Niyi Adebayo, during the flag off of the Hydrographic Survey and dredging of the Sea-root from Oguta Lake-Orashi -Degema to the Atlantic Ocean.
Speaking on behalf of the President, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo noted that, as far back as 1914, the British Colonial masters understood the strategic importance of the root in connecting the hinterland to the coast, utilized it to facilitate the smooth export of produce such as Palm Oil, Timber and Coal from Oguta and its neighbouring regions.
The Vice President commended what he called the foresight and political pragmatism of “your dynamic governor, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma who I call the great Hope. Aside from the numerous infrastructural projects that he has undertaken in barely three years, he has also mastered the act of close collaboration with the federal government for the benefit of this state and the entire South East region”
He said the root has always been a vital component of the national potential for increased trade and economic prosperity.
“Today we aim to revive this once vibrant and economically strategic channel, furthering job creation and sustainable growth in Imo State and the entire South East region and indeed our nation, by enhancing coastal connectivity and facilitating seamless transportation”.
He noted that the project will promote trade and investment and spur growth in multiple sectors, including shipping, manufactory, agriculture and also offer numerous opportunities for the people.
“This proposed Free Trade Zone has one of the largest hydrocarbon deposit in the country. The synergy between the dredged Sea-root and the free trade zone will deliver enormous commercial benefits. Also with the dredging project, the Navy will be better equipped to protect our coast-lands, thereby curbing crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering and other criminal activities”, the Vice President submitted.
While assuring Imolites of the continuous support of the federal government, to see to the realization of the project, he made it clear that it will not be possible without the full support of the host community.
In his address, Governor Hope Uzodimma expressed profound gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, through whom he said God has made the glorious day possible and for so many things he has done for Imo State and entire South East region.
He said before delving into the main project being flagged off, several detailed surveys and preliminary studies were carried out.
Uzodimma noted that in the early days of Nigeria, the axis provided basic economic platform for the entire Niger Delta people, but regretted that with advent of exploration of crude, illegal oil bunkarers and thieves took over the root, aided by the fact that the water was no longer deep enough, which made it difficult for security agents to employ the requisite ships to checkmate them.
“In a nutshell, the Hydrographic Survey and dredging which is a prelude to the clearance of the entire root will serve the dual purpose of engendering economic development and maritime security.
He assured President Buhari that the way the state government will achieve the project, with private partnership “may not be a magic but surely a miracle”, noting that many of his predecessors tried to realize the project for the benefit of Nigeria.
“However, this project could not take off, probably, because Muhammadu Buhari was not the President, and maybe because Admiral AZ Gambo was not the Chief of Naval Staff. It could also be because Hope Uzodimma was not the governor”, the governor enthused.
In his speech, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo said the root is undoubtedly critical because successful completion of the dredging will provide the Nigerian Navy the opportunity to deploy bigger vessels to patrol the Atlantic Ocean to the hinterland and to Oguta, thereby providing opportunity for wealth generation and other legitimate maritime activities.
He assured the full support of the Nigerian Navy to the full realization of the project.
Also, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor in his speech, appreciated Governor Uzodimma for understanding the critical role of the military to contribute beyond war fighting and assisting in internal security operations, but to also contribute in economic emancipation projects.
