By Simon Ebegbulem

GOVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said that work on the proposed Gelegele export processing zone will go on despite the rejection of the motion moved by the member representing Egor/Ikpoba Okhai Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, by the House of Representatives.

Obaseki said there is sufficient economic justification for its development, asserting that it will serve as an agro-processing zone and will be driven by the state government and the private sector.

Obaseki

Meantime, the people of Gelegele community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state, have appealed to the House of Representatives to reconsider its stand on the development of a proposed seaport in Gelegele by the state government, stressing that apart from the fact that it will create jobs for the people of the state and Niger Delta, it will also boost the economy of the nation.

Reacting to the decision of the House of Representatives, Obaseki said: “For me, I do not understand what was being attempted or what the issues are at the House of Representatives. I must add that we are ready to work with all organs of government to realise this project as it will impact greatly on the economy of the state and region. There is sufficient economic justification for the Gelegele port and we will raise funds from the private sector to develop the facility. We do not believe that the Federal Government will stop or discourage Edo State from building a port that is economically viable.”

Obaseki said the seaport project is on course as his administration is talking to consultants who are currently working on the designs and conducting studies on water depth, the width of the river and the amount of dredging needed.

However, Gelegele community spokesman, Chief Macaulay Ayiwe, who appealed to the House of Representatives to have a rethink on the motion, noted that the establishment of the EPZ will “lead to the creation of good road infrastructure and agro-industrial park and container terminals in the state, thereby urbanizing the predominantly rural communities in the state.

“We the host community, together with the state government, had been expectant since 1982 when the then administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari proposed the sighting of a seaport in our community. The viability of this project cannot be overemphasized because of the inputs, impact and outcome it will have as regards bringing employment, curbing militancy, youth restiveness, and attraction of investors to the state and the country as a whole. It will also lead to economic explosion in the state, country, sub-regions and reduction of stress and work load on other seaports in the country.’’