Reconsider Okpai IPP Stepdown, Embark On Asaba-Warri Light Railroad Project, Uzum Tells DTSG

By JOHNSON EBIGIDE

Eugene Azuka Uzum has advised the Delta State Government under the watch of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intensify the creation of a favourable environment for greater development of the state, particularly in employment generation.

Uzum, a lawyer, policy consultant and convener of the global Homeland Value Re-orientation Initiative, stated this against the economic depression and hardship in Nigeria.

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He said the state government should take advantage of the immense potentials in the state by creating the much needed favourable environment for investment, employment for the youths and steady development of the state.

Uzum argued strongly for a reconsideration of the stepdown of the independent power plant at Okpai in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state, stressing that not only would the initiative generate steady power supply to lighten up the area and some other parts of the state, but would attract local and international investments to the state.

He stated further that with the frequent collapse of the national electricity grid and low power generation and supply across the country, stepping down the Okpai plant would guarantee constant supply of electricity in Delta North, thereby reassuring investors of positive returns on their industrial productions in the area.

Uzum also called for a possible consideration of the construction of Asaba-Warri light railroad to ease the haulage of large cargoes between the Warri Seaport and environs and Asaba for onwards smooth conveyance to and from Onitsha and other parts of the South Eastern part of the country.

He added that it would complement the envisaged dredging of the River Niger by the Federal Government and further broaden the favourable investment potential of the state, saying that not only would the initiative create positive ripple effects in employment generation, but would gear up the internally generated revenues (IGR) for much more development of the state.

In a swift reaction to the huge financial cost of embarking on the two suggested mega projects, Uzum opined that apart from the steady sizeable monthly federal allocations and the IGR in the state, some parts of which could be channelled into the move, the state government could partner with local and international investors to ensure the actualisation and continuous maintenance of the projects.