By Emma Amaize

WARRI—THE traditional ruler of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, HRH Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, yesterday, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to expedite  work on the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, projects in the state,  comprising the Gas city, Ogidigben and Deep Sea Port,  Gbaramatu.

HRH Oboro-Gbaraun II, in a statement, also urged the President to take steps towards the commencement of academic activities at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.

Buhari

The monarch also urged the Federal Government to intensify work on the electrification of rural communities in Escravos area of Delta State, reportedly abandoned after some people had collected money.

On the EPZ project, he said: “The idea of locating the twin projects of Gas City, Ogidigben and the Deep Sea Port, Gbaramatu, by the immediate past administration, was a laudable one. Information at my disposal indicates that this project, which the ground-breaking ceremony was conducted on March 26, 2015, will create massive employment opportunities across the country and that 150,000 jobs will be available at the construction stage alone, while 5,000 jobs will be available at the completion of the project.

“The good thing about this project is that it will be funded by private investors coming to Nigeria from all over the world. Going by this information, project of this magnitude should be embraced since they would contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economy.

“Therefore, I  call on Mr. President and other players in the project to start construction work immediately as I am aware that the site is ready for the project to kick off.”

On NMU, the monarch stated: “It is disheartening to note that the present Federal Government has refused to do something about the commencement of academic activities at Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, since its inauguration on May 10, 2014, with full infrastructure on ground.

“It is no longer news that one of the best things that has ever happened to the people of the coastal area, and indeed the entire Niger Delta region is the establishment of this university. There is no doubt that this university will greatly bridge the educational and infrastructural development gap that has existed over the years. “