SPEECH DELIVERED BY
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS BOSU DIO JP. AYAMABULOU 1
THE IBENANAWEI OF IDUWINI KINGDOM, BURUTU, DELTA STATE
On the Occasion of the visitation of the Technical team set by the Chief of Naval Staff to Inspect Possible Location for a Forward Operational Base for the Burutu Ports Project in Iduwini Kingdom.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.Z. Gambo, who sent this Naval personnel present here today. Leader of the Naval Technical Team, Rear Admiral N.B Nagenu. Other eminent members of the Technical Team. Leader of the NPA Technical Committee, Mr. Khalil M. Jamil. Other members of NPA Technical Team.
Representative of the Delta State Government/DIDA, Mr. Fred Onojeta. & Mr. Felix Nwamumu.
Representative of NEXIM Bank, Mr. Hope Yongo. Representative of the Sealink Consortium, Mr. Frank
Chairman Burutu Local Government Area.
Other eminent dignitaries here present.
ACTL Board and Management Staff.
Members of the Press.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Permit me to render my special thanks to the Chief of Naval Staff for deeming it fit to send this high-powered delegation to Iduwini Kingdom today for the inspection of the ACTL Burutu Ports project proposed location for a Naval Forward Operations Base. This is very pleasing to me in particular and to the whole Iduwini people in general. As this will add to the security of our people, and invariably help to boost legitimate business activities within our area.
I also thank President Muhammadu Buhari, for appointing this sound patriotic Nigerian as the Chief of Naval Staff as well as the support given to the Nigerian Navy that has led to better security of our waterways (coastal and inland).
Iduwini land is located in the riverine area of Delta State with no access road to the mainland. This therefore makes the proposed Naval Forward Operations Base very dear to our hearts as it helps to allay security fears of potential investors and help bring the needed development to our area, which will help absorb our teeming youths from the labor market.
I have heard of the collaborative efforts between NEXIM Bank/Sealink and the Nigerian Navy in the charting of the Rivers Niger/Benue Channel to Burutu geared towards reactivating the inland water trade route, previously used by the British successfully in the Pre- and Post-Colonial era. I commend this partnership as this practically manifests this administrations non-oil export drive, which will invariably positively affect our trade balance and provide thousands of jobs for the youths in both the Northern and Southern parts of the country.
I also like to commend the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa led administration of Delta State for providing the needed conducive environment especially in the riverine areas for businesses to thrive.
I am glad that the Delta State Government is a part owner of this our Burutu Ports Project the same way the local communities are also part owners. This will lead to greater synergy and collaboration between the Government, Communities, Port Promoters, Investors and other Stakeholders.
I will not fail to thank the MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority and his team for all their assistance given to this Port project thus far. We earnestly await the final approval and construction of this port soon in our domain.
Special thanks should be given to the Board and Management of Akewa Colmar Terminal Limited for their tenacity in pushing this project to National and International limelight.
My Bolowei here, Chief Kenneth Donye is a man who “never says die” a man with a large heart and I can see that in his team, which has led several foreign and local delegations calling on us for this project. I pray the Almighty God and our ancestors crown your efforts with good success for the benefit of the community.
I am indeed very happy today. I welcome you once more to my palace and the Iduwini kingdom of Delta State. I assure you of the co-operation of my people with any positive project that will develop our land.
I wish you a successful visit and safe journey back to your various locations.
I will be presenting some plaques to some of you at the end of today to show our appreciation for this visit.
God Bless You.
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HRH BOSU DIO JP. AYAMABULOU 1
THE IBENANAWEI OF IDUWINI KINGDOM,
BURUTU, DELTA STATE.
