The Concerned Ilaje Coastal Communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State in an “Open Letter” to President Muhammadu Buhari today demanded they be included in the execution of the dredging project of the Escravos-Warri in other to forestall peace in the region.
In the letter which was signed by Messrs Felix .M. Iyamolere and Adeokan .O. Jose, National Youth President as well as Secretary respectively, the Concerned Ilaje Communities said, “Your Excellency, we (Ilaje) are very peaceful and accommodative, law abiding people. Hence, we demand the inclusion of Ilaje in the dredging of Escravos-Warri as a stakeholder in other to forestall peace during the dredging project execution.”
The Concerned Ilaje Communities thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his unrelented, doggedness and steadfastness in approving the dredging project of “Escravos-Warri”.
The Concerned Ilaje Communities said it help to develop the Niger Delta region and equally boast the socioeconomic activities of the State and Nigeria at large especially in the areas of employment creation for the youths as well as reduce youth restiveness in the Niger Delta region.
“The various Ilaje Communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area appreciate the effort of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi (Minister of Transportation and Aviation) and the Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority, Ms Hadiza Usman for all their great efforts in ensuring that the project was approved and brought to light.
“Our heartfelt goes to our amiable Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa for his leadership role played to ensure that the project came up during his tenure as well as his laudable projects across the State.
“Your Excellency, the approval of the dredging of (Escravos-Warri) received high commendation from the various Ilaje Communities in Warri South-West LGA as Stakeholders amongst the three Stakeholders/ethnic groups in Warri South-West LGA namely, Itsekiri, Ilaje and Ijaw.
“We both suffer the same chronic ecological and hazardous effects as well as the same neglect, deprivation and unwanted hardship of the various multinational companies operating in the domain.
“These three ethnic groups lives in the same terrain. The negative effect of one among the Stakeholders is the same negative effects of the others.
“The Ilaje have adequately and effectively contributing to the economic development of the State and the nation (Nigeria). Despite their enormous economic contribution through their God given activities (fishing, farming etc).
“But rather total deprivation and neglect of the Ilaje people.
“Ilaje have always performed our civic responsibilities as a citizen at all given time and our voting strength or ability are highly relied upon and are highly counted during electioneering process. But with nothing to show for it.
“We also want to call on our Itsekiri and Ijaw brothers in Warri South-West to open the veil of snob and do the needful. As the bond amongst us (Ilaje, Itsekiri and Ijaw cannot be overemphasized.”
