Oguta-Orashi River dredging project: Economic game changer for Imo, Nigeria, says Osinbajo

• Release of Kanu desirous, says Uzodimma

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said the partnership between the Imo State Government, Nigerian Navy and the Federal Government for Oguta-Orashi River Dredging Project would be a game changer, as it would bring economic development to the state, in particular, and Nigeria, as a whole.

Osinbajo disclosed this, yesterday, during the flag off ceremony of the dredging of Oguta-Orashi River Development Project, which would extend to the Atlantic Ocean through Degema. He said: “It is a unique and transformational project. It is a game changer for Imo and Nigeria.”

According to the Vice President, the project would help the nation benefit from its job opportunities, while tracing the history of development from 1914. He hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the project and flagging it off.

Osinbajo said the collaboration between the Navy, the state government and the Federal Government would impact on employment opportunities and other forms of growth in the state and the country.

Speaking, the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, said the project is a “dream come true.”He highlighted projects approved by the President, noting that the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri; transformation of Alvan Ikoku College of Education, owerri, to a federal university, among other institutional projects, are pointers to advancement of the state.

In the event, attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, his Naval counterpart, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, among others, Uzodimma urged Buhari to release the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Igbo Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying it is desirous.

Irabor, said the project would help address insecurity and safety in the area, calling for civility. On his part, a former governor of the state, Ikedi Ohakim, recalled that the project was a long dream come true, hailing the Uzodimma for his ingenuity.