Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the commencement of work on Ogidigben Export Process in Zone in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta.
Ikenwoli made the appeal on Monday during the celebration of one year of his coronation at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the ground-breaking ceremony of the 16 billion dollar project was performed by former President Goodluck Jonathan on March 26, 2015.
The project is public- private-driven and is aimed at creating jobs.
Ikenwoli also appealed to the president to revive ports in Delta to boost the economy, create employment and check youth restiveness.
Addressing Itsekiri sons and daughters who came to pay him homage, Ikenwoli said his one year in office had been interesting and challenging.
‘’Notwithstanding, the most interesting challenge we have had to face has been internal to us as Itsekiri.
”But the vision I outlined one year ago is still intact and on course.
”This vision represents positive change and a clear departure from the vagaries and manipulation by few individuals,’’ he said.
He said the vision aimed to establish a broad-based Itsekiri project anchored on participatory partnership with every Itsekriri man and woman.
Ikenwolo condemned attacks on oil installations and said that he had tried to build bridges of peace among communities.
He said many Itsekiri communities were engulfed in crises and attributed the situation to leadership problems.
”We have decreed that Itsekiri communities must have written constitutions which should clearly spell out the various leadership positions, roles and responsibilities and a copy deposited at the palace,” he said.
Ikenwolo, however, urged the people to live above self-interest and sacrifice personal gains for the overall interest of the Itsekiri.
The ceremonies which started on Nov. 28 will end on Dec. 18 with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the palace. (NAN)
