By Isaac Olamikan
Residents of Ologbo Town in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, especially those living in the waterside, are in a jubilant mood, with many commending Governor Godwin Obaseki for the construction of a concrete pedestrian Jetty with a waiting lounge and ultra-modern marine police base along Ologbo River to boost economic activities and increase revenue generation.
The Jetty with street light and the marine police base, constructed by the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Area Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), according to the residents, has significantly improved the security of lives and properties of citizens in the locality.
The project is part of efforts by Governor Obaseki-led government to facilitate economic activities and ensure the policing of the state’s waterways from Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha to Gelegele in Ovia North East Local Government Areas, down to Ilushi in Esan South East Local Government Area of the State.
A local trader in Ologbo Community simply identified as Madam Elizabeth, hailed the Governor for prioritising the welfare and security of the people, noting that the Jetty and the 24-hour electricity supply in the community has translated to increased economic activity and raised the standard of living of the residents.
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According to her, “The streetlights which the government installed on the pedestrian walkway has given a facelift to the area and now our community which hitherto looked like a criminal hideout has now been lit up, opening the area for more business activities even at night.”
A youth in the community, Stephen Omokaro noted that the Jetty will facilitate trade between Edo people and the neighbouring Delta communities, adding, “the distance from the Benin – Sapele – Warri Express Road to the Jetty is just one pole. We are grateful to the Governor for his interest in the people, ensuring the security of lives and properties and better livelihoods for residents.”
Chairman of EDSOGPADEC, Pastor Kennedy Osifo said the Governor’s desire to secure the waterways in the state and expand business frontiers influenced the development of the project.
He maintained that the Jetty, being of international standard, will increase the revenue base of the governments at all levels and facilitate development in Edo communities, which is in line with the Make Edo Great Again (MEGA) Agenda of Governor Obaseki.
