It Will Take Industrial Revolution, Not Just Infrastructural Development To Revitalize Warri To Former State

Comr. (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, National Coordinator, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement (ISRCA) AKA “No Justice, No Peace,” has said that in revitalizing Warri metropolitan city to its former state, “the emphasis should be on spearheading an industrial revolution, rather than solely relying on governmental infrastructural development, an area where previous administrations have faltered.”

He said this in a statement on Monday.

According to him, “though the constant threat of violence of the Warri crisis was an impeding factor, it is a mistake these generations of youths should not make.”

Adding: “Though it was not enough to make companies in the area suddenly disappear and not return, issues of dèvè, a slang term that describes exorbitant taxes and demands on companies by various communities, perpetuated by their leaders, were also an important factor responsible.”

He continued: “However, the key factor that led to the disappearance of these companies was the centralization of Nigeria Port Authorities’ activities strictly to Lagos, where these companies were starved of their raw materials coming directly from overseas, and had to move to Lagos to receive their products and other supplies.

“To circumvent road transport costs and associated problems, including losses, damage to manufacturing materials, and risks involved, particularly when heavy-duty machinery is required to transport goods by road, these situations also necessitated their relocation to areas with accessible seaports.”

He opined that “if the Warri seaport can resume full operations, it will not only generate employment opportunities for numerous Nigerian youths, thereby mitigating insecurity and facilitating the seamless flow of foreign goods and import services, but also experience a comprehensive industrial revolution, attracting industries back to the formerly thriving and vibrant era,” just as he quizzed: “However, does the government at relevant levels genuinely prioritize the development and transformation of the lives of its constituents?”

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The rights activist said he has always commended the infrastructural development strides of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, but noted that revamping the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in Warri, and making it operational again would be the most significant achievement under his administration.

In his words, “Previous administrations failed to revive state-owned industries like the Asaba Textile Mill, Africa Timber and Plywood (AT&P), Sapele, or establish new ones, instead adopting a governance pattern that recycles existing infrastructure, focusing solely on our natural resources.”

He said further: “While I also believe that the Nigeria Port Authority is primarily controlled by the federal government, the Delta State Government also has significant influence to ensure its smooth operations again. We have witnessed the roles of industrialization activities and their profound impact on the development of a place, with their vital roles in job creation, improving the standard of living of the people, and economic growth.

“However, I respectfully appeal to the Delta State Government to consider these ideas. As the world is evolving rapidly, people are beginning to question the actual cost of democracy in the absence of these integral elements that sum up governance. Governance encompasses a broader variety of areas where the majority of people are gainfully engaged, and not solely reliant on the government for their decisions.”