Okowa, others strategise on revival of Warri, Koko ports

Irked by the poor utilization of the Warri and Koko ports, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other stakeholders have weighed options that could facilitate the revival of operations at the seaports.

The stakeholders that recently gathered at town hall meetings with the people of Warri North and Warri South local government areas identified none dredging of the ports a major setback.

Expressing his dismay about the condition of the ports, Okowa disclosed that his administration was working with relevant authorities to see that Warri and Koko ports are dredged for them to function optimally.

A statement released by the state house quoted him as expressing commitment towards ensuring a functional facility, adding that making the seaports active would bring a lot of benefits to the people, the state and the entire nation.

He said: “The cost of dredging the ports is alarming, but, we are exploring different opportunities for the ports to be functional,”The governor, who was accompanied by his Deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, and top government officials assured the people of consistent efforts for portable water, and urged the people to embrace the compulsory health insurance scheme.

His words: “The health insurance scheme was designed for Deltans to have easy access to health facilities, and I am assuring the people that the health centers in the areas would be made functional because of their importance to the people at the grassroots”.

Former Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, stated that it was important for the ports to be made functional, noting that while Koko has free trade status, the channel is shallow draft.

Chairman of Warri South Local Council, Michael Tidi, said: “The monumental Ode-Itsekiri internal roads network represents a watershed in the annals of the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, a true marvel to behold, it stands as a prominent testament to the legendary resourcefulness with which you (Governor Okowa) approach governance; the Itsekiri people are very grateful for that unique insight of giving Ode-Itsekiri and environs vehicular civilization for the first time in our history, we appreciate the government for its commitment to the Trans-Warri/Ode-Itsekiri Bridge that would link neighboring communities, amongst other growth catalysts.”

Tidi continued: “It takes a man of courage and integrity to make promises, keep them and still come back to listen to more requests. We consider this town hall meeting to be a rare privilege, indeed and we most sincerely appreciate you for providing such a veritable platform for our people and other critical stakeholders in the society to meet and interface with the number one citizen of the state.”