A Trilogy Of Failed PORTS Projects In Edo

The PDP administration in Edo under Obaseki has a propaganda character of making loud media noise about its projects while trying to build Obaseki's political profile and that of the PDP.

All said, a keen observer will notice that so far Obaseki and his PDP have three PORT Projects in the line but only recent it is only the Benin River Port that is getting its high decibel audio attention Not the two other planned ports in the state it promised to deliver. Three PORTS in all.

Which are these other ports? Good question. But wait a minute. Let us begin from the first port on its development list in historical, chronological order.

Yes, let us start from the Benin River Port at Gelegele in Ovia North-East Local Government Area. Groundbreaking of the project took place in 2017.

But all the PDP administration is doing today is audio talk of its determination to deliver the port. No actionable; sincere timeline is fixed for date of completion of the project.

For instance, in 2021 while announcing his utopian and futuristic VISION 2050 to a visiting United Nations Country Team to Edo State, Obaseki said: "We must build the Benin River Port to lighten up to 30 percent of the cargo from Tin Can and Apapa Ports".( Nigerian Observer/July 29, 2021)

After 7 years, the PDP is yet to lay a solid foundation for the project realization. It is still only engaged in a mere superlative theoretical determination to realise it.

Without bothering about the emotional trauma Edo people have over this slow project, the insensitive PDP government went into an MOU arrangement in 2021 with a private conglomerate to build an INLAND DRY PORT in Ikpoba- Okha Local Government Area.

Here is what Obaseki told Edo people about this project: "This is a viable and landmark project. The role of government is to create a peaceful atmosphere and enabling environment for business to thrive in the state.

"The dry port on completion will take over 200,000 containers at any time. It will aggregate and export about 56 million kilograms of agricultural products monthly; generate N70m monthly as revenue for Edo State Government; and create 30,000 jobs in the next three years." (Nigerian Observer./February 23, 2021)

Where is the INLAND DRY PORT? Has it been delivered? No!!

Rather than concentrate his energy and the state's resources on realizing these two port projects, Obaseki again in the same 2021 indicated the PDP government's interest to build an AIRPORT in Edo North Senatorial District.

Hear Obaseki: "one of the major things that I want to do is to build an airport in Edo North. Access is key and if people can fly in directly into the region it will improve the economy of the state. We have done studies and found that an airport in Edo North is feasible particularly given the level of investments we are making in that direction.(Nigerian Observer/June 5, 2021)

Checks show that since 2021 only a topological visit has been paid to Edo North to identify if the region's landscape is really suitable for an airport. Nothing more!!!.

What a disturbing tragicomedy of three ports waiting for God to arrive before completion.
With circumspection; it is this attitude of unrealized projects crowding that Obaseki wants to hand over to Asue Ighodaĺo; his adopted godson whom he is sponsoring for the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in Edo State.

So, ask yourself, does Asue Ighodalo and the PDP need your votes Edo People? CERTAINLY No.
Senator Monday Okpebholo and Reps man, Hoñ. Dennis Idahosa of the APC, all practical politicians are your sure bets. Cast your votes for them. Only the APC candidates who are team players know how to plan and deliver realizable projects with scientific precision in consultation with and obedience to the party as well as the electorate.

Be warned!!! Asue Ighodalo as Governor will only listen to Obaseki, his master's voice.