Jonathan Inaugurates $16billion EPZ in Delta
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has inaugurated the $16billion Gas Revolution Industrial Park after several failed attempts, saying that the project would further boost the nation’s economy.
The President who spoke at Ogidigben, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta state when performing the much-awaited groundbreaking ceremony, said that Nigeria was in the path of industrialization.
The project had been postponed at least five times owing to wrangling by ethnic warlords and stakeholders who had pressed for settlement of some unresolved issues surrounding the official takeoff of the mega project.
While addressing the guest at the Gas Industrial City (GIC) project site, Ogidigben, Jonathan said that the project would turn out to be the biggest gas and deep sea port in the country.
He said that the project wouldn’t only strengthen the nation’s economy but would boot foreign investment and set Nigeria on the global map as gas industrialized nation.
According to him, the Expor Processing Zone project would create massive employments for Nigerian youths and graduates as well as attract several economic benefits to the host communities.
“The Gas Revolution Industrial Part in Ogidgben and Deep Sea Port, Gbaramatu, will surely meet the world standard and will be accorded the priority it deserved because the project is designated to be a free- trade zone”, Jonathan said.
He however directed all relevant government agencies and stakeholders to participate effectively and ensure the success of the project.
Besides, President Jonathan assured foreign investors and other partners in the project of continuous enabling environment.
He thanked the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II who was personally present at the ceremony and the Gbaramatu Kingdom’s Regent as well as the various host communities for embracing peace and providing the enabling environment to perform the ground breaking ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, commended the President for being patient at the time of the controversies over the ownership of land, and for not allowing the project to be relocated from Delta state.
Uduaghan said the project will be beneficial to the people of Delta state, and therefore, assured the President of all the votes from Delta state, in tomorrow’s presidential election.
