The Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwole, has called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the rehabilitation of Warri and Koko ports in Delta State.
He said doing so would minimise the incidence of restiveness and rejuvenate economic activities in the area.
The Paramount ruler who on Friday, paid a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, at the President’s office, Presidential Villa, Abuja, decried the deplorable condition of the ports which he said had been abandoned by the government.
Buhari assured the traditional ruler and the people of Niger Delta that his administration would continue to support rapid development in the region by consolidating on all ongoing projects as well as initiating new ones to create more economic opportunities and jobs for the people.
While receiving the Olu of Warri, Buhari reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Niger Delta for economic and social activities to thrive.
The President informed the monarch and his delegation that developing the region remained a priority for his administration. He added that under his watch every region in the country would witness increased investments in critical infrastructure.
He called on the people of the Niger Delta to complement ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to bring more development to the region by maintaining peace, security and harmony.
Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, promised to look into some of the concerns raised by the delegation including the dredging of Escravos bar for Warri and Koko ports, the gas revolution industrial park and EPZ project in Ogidigben, the ecological challenges in Ode-Itsekiri, Ugborodo, Orere/Yanagho and Ogheye-Eghoroke, among others.