Governor Obaseki Raises Hope of Ekaladeran Communities of Over 40yrs Struggle on Gele Gele SeaPort

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has been described as the modern Joshua of Edo State.

Mr Austine Amiuwu (JP) , a member of the Ekaladeran Peoples Forum (EPF) stated this while addressing newsmen in Benin city along with the leadership of the forum that the Ekaladeran people would remain forever grateful to the Governor if he is able to commence and complete the seaport in his tenure.

He stated that, the first step of the Governor in setting up the technical committee headed by Engr. Gregory Ero Was received with wild jubilation by the communities because it is the first practical step ever taken by any leader or administration.

However he lamented the inability of previous government to commence and construct the seaport despite agitations from the various communities that make up the Ekaladeran community for the construction and opening of the Seaport and also to become a local government of its own over the years but has met gridlock, despite the areas contribution to the state 13% derivation of the federal government allocation and the 47 polling Units which the area control out of the 67 Polling Units in the constituency, yet has been seriously marginalized.

Also speaking, the Secretary General of the group and Vice Chairman Host Communities of Oil producing area in Edo State, Mr. Stanley Osayande assured the Governor of their readiness as a Community to cooperate and ensure the security of the construction Company that will work on the Seaport in order for the project to become a reality.

According to him, “The entire Gelegele area has been abandoned for so many years which is over forty years. We are happy with Governor Obaseki’s initiative of setting up the technical commitee for the construction of the seaport. It will no doubt open up our area. Above all I want to set the record straight that the entire community as far as Ekaladeran is concern which consists of Iguoshodin, Utoka, Oghede and Oduna wards is our project”. “We have been yearning for this project, we have written severally to the presidency, the past government in Edo State to assist us the communities, to develop the Gelegele seaport; to as such all as far as that project is concerned to be less feared of any community problem. We the community leaders are on ground to ensure that no problem arises”. He added.

Also appreciating the Governor is one of the All Progressive Congress APC leader in Ovia North east local government and a Leader of the Ekaladeran Peoples Forum, Mr. Aikewe Ikponwonsa (JP)  who  disclosed how proud he is to associate with a Governor whose vision  to create Job for the unemployed Youths in the state   drives his passion to commence the Construction of the Gele-gele Sea port.

He said, “Nothing I can say rather than to say thanks to the Governor for such recognition he has giving to us Ekaladeran people at the moment. I am one of the leaders of APC in Ovia Northeast  LGA and also one of the founders of the Ekaladeran Peoples Forum. During the campaign, the governor told us he was going to mobilize our young ones, he was going to provide a lot of jobs for them and without doubt, he has started it. With this Gelegele seaport coming to reality, thousands of people will be employed. That is part of his promise to us and it is now been fulfilled. We prayed the almighty God to strengthen him and we are with him in one hundred percent.