[Mhiz Rebecca]

THE Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli has appealed to President
Muhammadu Buhari to give approval for the commencement of
work on the Export Process in Zone (EPZ) project in Ogidigben,
Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Olu made the appeal on Monday, during the one year anniversary
of his coronation at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri
nations.
The ground-breaking ceremony of the $16 billion gas project, it
will be recalled, was performed by immediate past president,
Goodluck Jonathan, on March 26, 2015.
The project, which is public- private-driven, was expected to
create employment to thousands of youths from inception.
Ikenwoli, for the umpteenth time, also appealed to Buhari to revive
the Delta Ports to boost the economy, create employment and
check youth restiveness.
Ikenwoli, while addressing Itsekiri sons and daughters who
thronged in to pay homage to their king, described his one-year in
office as interesting and challenging.
”The last one year has been both interesting and intriguing.
”Notwithstanding, the most interesting challenge we have had to
face have been internal to us as Itsekiri.
”But the vision I outlined one year ago is still on intact and on
course.
‘‘This vision represents positive change and a clear departure from
the vagaries and manipulation by few individuals to a broader
based Itsekiri project and programme anchored on participatory
partnership with every Itsekriri man and woman,” he said.
He condemned the attacks on oil installations, adding that he had
tried to build bridges of peace among neighbouring communities.
Ikenwoli said many of the Itsekiri communities were engulfed with
crisis attributing it to leadership problems.
”We have decreed that Itsekiri communities must have written
constitutions, which should clearly spelt out the various leadership
positions, roles and responsibility and a copy deposited at the
palace,” he said.
The king, however, urged his subjects to live above self-interest
and sacrifice personal gain for the overall interest of the Itsekiri
nation.
Highlights of the ceremony were the payment of homage by
various Itsekiri groups including the Itsekiri Progressives Club.