By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Imo state government has reiterated its commitment to the dredging of the Orashi River into an international seaport.
The government says it is a top priority for the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s adminstration considering the huge commercial activities the dredging will ignite.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Rubby Emele, who spoke recently in Imo state emphasised that the dredging which would soon commence, will open the state into the international gateway for the transportation of goods.
According to her, the measure would further boost commerce, industrialization revenue generation and job creation in the state.
Emele who disclosed this during a media chat said that plans were equally afoot by the state government to conduct council election which was aborted by the deadly Covid 19 pandemic, End Sars protest and heinous activities of some criminal elements in the state.
The media chat which was coordinated by the Special Adviser on Networking to Governor Hope Uzodimma, Onwuzuruike Chantel and Adanna Chinyere, was to intimate journalists on the progress made by the government on improving commerce and industry in the state as well as preparation for the LG elections.
The LG Commissioner said that just recently the government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Navy towards the realisation of the project.
She said: “By the time the Orashi River is dredged, it will be able to accommodate big ocean liners that will open the Nigerian waterways through the Atlantic ocean to transport goods abroad.
“You remember that during the colonial days, the Orashi River was used by the Niger Delta Company to transport raw materials from the hinterland to European market. So we will open up that opportunity again, which is long overdue”.
Emele said that the state government is taking steps to resolve boundary disputes between some neighbouring communities through the boundary disputes resolution committee led by the Deputy Governor of the State – Professor Placid Njoku, issue certificates of recognition and staff of office to traditional rulers who are yet to received them.
The commissioner who frowned at frosty relations between some President General and their traditional rulers added that the state government is doing her best to make the council active and vibrant and equally provide an enabling environment for the organized Private Sector to thrive well.
The Commissioner explained that the state government has no hand in the selection of traditional rulers, which was done by the autonomous communities themselves through their own laid down rules and guidelines.
She explained that the on-going promotion interviews for staff of local government councils in the state was part of government’s efforts to encourage efficiency and productivity in the state civil service.
The commissioner who threw her weight behind the re-election of governor Hope Uzodimma, praised the Skillup programmes for youths, noting that it has not only helped the beneficiaries to become economically self reliant but also drastically reduced unemployment.
