The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has urged the Godwin Obaseki-led Edo State Government to create Local Government Development Centres in riverine communities of the state to fast-track development in the area.
Secretary, Western Zone of IYC, Omaghomi Olu-Derimon, who stated this on Saturday, said the riverine communities in the state have been marginalised in infrastructural development.
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While noting that this abandonment precedes Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, the IYC scribe, however, said Obaseki should change the narrative.
He also called for the creation of the Riverine Development Agency as part of efforts to ensure the development of the area, while appealing for the establishment of Maritime Academy to prepare the area for the planned Benin River Port in Gelegele.
He said, “Ijaw communities have been deprived of the presence of ranging from projects execution and political appointments.
“To change this unpleasant situation, we call on the government to create a riverine development Agency or commission to fast-track infrastructural development in that part of the state.
“Also, we are calling for the creation of, at least, three local development centres for the riverine areas of Ovia South West, North East, and Ikpoba-Okha local areas.
“Lastly, we want the establishment of Marine Academy in the riverine terrain to prepare personnel for the off-take of Gelegele seaport and human capacity development base.”
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