SAT, APRIL. 29 2023-theGBJournal|President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off the construction of the Ogoni Power Project, expressing confidence that the project upon completion will spur socio-economic development of Ogoniland, create job opportunities for artisans and enhance entrepreneurial growth.
The President virtually participated in the groundbreaking of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and the Ogoni 100 Bed Specialist Hospital, performed on his behalf by the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi at Wiiya Akara, Khana Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, on Friday.
On the power project, the President noted that it will bring sustainability to the Potable Water Schemes, Livelihood Programme, Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and the Specialist Hospital projects being undertaken by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
On the benefits of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the President said it would bring succour to those who over time have been exposed to hydrocarbon pollution and other ailments associated with environmental pollution in the community.
He urged the Ogoni community to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Environment, HYPREP and the companies handling the execution of the projects.
He added that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, on whose site the groundbreaking ceremony was held, will provide capacity and research opportunities to scholars within Nigeria and around the world on environmental remediation.
‘‘It will initiate studies on home grown methods and approaches to addressing oil pollution in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country, to Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. It is instructive to know that Ogoni clean-up is not the only project being undertaken by this administration to give the people a sense of belonging in national affairs. This administration is constructing the Bodo/Bonny Road -a multi-billion-naira project to provide a link road to Bonny Island – host to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Plant. This all-important economic road passes through the heart of Ogoniland and the benefits it will bring to the local economy will be considerable,’’ he said.
The President also disclosed that approvals for the rehabilitation of the Ogoni axis of the East/West Road which the Bodo/Bonny Road opens into and serves as the gateway to the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne.
In his remarks, Mike Nweielghi, Chairman Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund pledged that Ogoni people will provide the necessary support and conducive atmosphere to the contractors to deliver on the projects.
He thanked the President for touching the lives of Ogoni people with his commitment to the clean-up exercise, following the recommendations of the UNEP report.
In addition to the initial $1billion released for the Ogoni clean-up by the joint venture partners, Nweielghi, on behalf of the Board, appealed for more funds, saying current inflationary trends have made the initial funds insufficient.
The Project Coordinator, HYPREP, Dr Giadom Dumbari, described the projects as major highpoints of the Buhari administration in addressing the challenges of the Niger Delta, particularly the plight of the Ogoni people.
He explained that the specialist hospital is strategically located to service Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States and other surrounding communities.
Dumbari pledged that the project would be delivered on target, time and cost.
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