The people of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West local government area of Delta state want the federal government to restart the abandoned Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Ogidigben and a Deep Seaport Project in Gbaramatu.
The Ijaw-speaking oil producing communities staged a peaceful protest in Oporoza with a promise to shut down activities of all international companies in the area if their demands are not met.
Ikenna Amechi reports that the groundbreaking ceremony of the 20Billiondollars Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park was done by former president Goodluck Jonathan in March 2015.
Designated as a tax-free zone, the park is meant to have fertilizer, methanol, petrochemical, and aluminum plants, but has been abandoned just like the Deep Seaport in Gbaramatu, the Omadinor-Escravos coastal road, and other projects.
The people converge on Oporoza for a peaceful protest over what they call abandonment of the projects.
The Gbaramatu Kingdom is the host to over 11 onshore and offshore Oil Fields and the International Oil Companies. However, the development seems far from these areas and the natives feel their contribution to the national economy is not been appreciated.
