From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Gloria Akobundu, has described the recent move to dredge Oguta/Orashi River in Imo State as a big economic boost for Nigeria.
She said the dredging means the waterways would be successfully cleaned up and connected to Atlantic Ocean, thus making it possible for heavy ships/vessels to berth with products.
Akobundu encouraged parties involved in the project to ensure its timely completion, stating that successful completion of the project will result in massive economic activities that would culminate in wealth creation for the people.
She told newsmen during a press conference in Abuja, at the weekend, that such projects are what is required to further transform the economy of Nigeria and further open up the country to international businesses using the waterways.
The AUDA-NEPAD boss appreciated the involvement of the private sector in the project which, she said, was a pointer to the seriousness and commitment of the government and parties involved to the project, particularly in its timely completion.
She was particularly impressed with Imo Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for his visionary leadership and interest in developing the economy of the state which led to the flag-off of the project by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, few weeks ago.
“It’s only a visionary leader that could see the importance and viability of such huge project and key into it. Several past leaders of Imo State have tried to do the project but could not because of one reason or the other. It’s left for the communities involved, the entire Imo State and Nigeria in general to support this laudable project which will have huge economic impact on the economy of Nigeria.
“Obviously, Imo State governor, as a constructive person, saw beyond the challenges and other discouragements, apparently drawing strength from the benefits thereof. So, he should be commended for that great vision.
“Oguta lake, which many people, including past Imo State leaders, saw as a holiday resort centre is far beyond that. There are huge economic and social opportunities that are abound there, and that was, perhaps, what Governor Uzodimma saw and keyed into the project.”
She assured the governor of support from AUDA-NEPAD, in terms of resources mobilisation, manpower and logistics, as well as other areas that the African Union Development Agency can help to ensure the success of the project.
Human right lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, in a tweet last week, said the flag-off of the dredging of the Oguta Lake/Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean in Imo State by Vice President Osinbajo was a step in the right direction and highly commendable, even though it came too late but then it is better late than never.
He wrote: “With the dredging of the Oguta Lake/Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean in Imo State, I hope other parts of Nigeria with this kind of potential like Delta, Edo and Ondo are taking cue. This is part of the restructuring that we are taking about.”
“I urge the South East people and their governments to take pride and interest in the dredging of the Oguta Lake/Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean in Imo State because their prosperity lies in there. This is part of the autonomy that we are talking about.”