By Desmond Ejibas
Kpor – President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the construction of a new power project and specialist hospital as clean-up of decades-long crude oil spillage in Ogoniland, Rivers gathers pace.
Dr Ferdinand Giadom, Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) made this known at a meeting with stakeholders in Kpor, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers.
He said that HYPREP, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, recommended the projects to President Buhari, to improve the wellbeing of Ogoni people.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has given approval for the take-off of a power project in Ogoniland due to his love for the Ogoni people.
“The engineering drawing for the power project is ready, as electricity will be evacuated from 132KV line Sub-station in Ebubu, Eleme to Wiyaakara, Khana, and another 132KV line in Bodo, Gokana.
“Electricity from these two points (Wiyaakara and Bodo) shall further be distributed from the 33KV line to Ogoni communities.
Giadom said the planned construction would be done in two phases due to the volume of work involved.
“So, the Ogoni power project being an addition to the Ogoni Specialist Hospital project is not part of the UNEP recommendation for Ogoniland clean-up exercise.
“HYPREP conceptualised the projects as boost and extra deliverables to the people of Ogoni.
“The power project will sustain our water schemes, livelihood training; the operation of the Centre of Excellence in Environmental Restoration and Ogoni Specialist Hospital,” he added.
Speaking, the Chairman of Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Godwin Giniwa thanked the Federal Government and appealed to Ogoni youths against indulging in acts that would affect the projects.
He called on HYPREP to recruit indigent youths of the area in the construction of the various projects.
“I want us to respect ourselves and stop vandalising government projects, or ask for fees before they can carry on with the projects.
“The projects is for our own good, as fixing our electricity crises will enable us create our own jobs without needing employment from the government,” he urged Ogoni youths
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogoniland is made of four Local Government Areas in Rivers, including, Eleme, Gokana, Khana and Tai. (NAN)
