Palm Oil can create over two million jobs for Nigerians, if developed- Itsekure

One of the resource persons at the just concluded maiden Warri North Economic Summit, Sir Matthew Itsekure, says Palm Oil can create over two million jobs for Nigerians, especially indigenes of Warri North Local Government Area and other parts of Delta State, if properly harnessed.

Highlight Video clip of the Historic Summit

Our Senior Correspondent reports that Sir Itsekure, made the revelation Thursday March 24, at KCMA Hall in Koko, Headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, during the maiden Warri North Economic summit.

Sir Itsekure, posited that oil palm development in Ajagbodudu Community alone, has the potential of improving the internally generated revenue profile of Warri North Local Government Council as well as that of Delta State Government.

According to him, every community in Warri North Local Government Area, has what it takes to survive, saying palm oil, is the future of Nigeria's economy.

He berated Delta State Government for not doing enough in developing the oil palm industry and called on investors, community leaders, government and other relevant stakeholders, to invest in the oil palm sector.

Sir Itsekure, said Malaysia came to Ajagbodudu Community many years back, to take palm seed and used it to positively transform their economy, urging leaders in Warri North Local Government Area, to do same.

Chairman of the occasion and immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel  Ewetan Uduaghan, in his address, described tourism as a potential unifying force and aspect of growth of the economy, calling for investments in sports, museum and historic monuments.

From left: Hon. Solomon Milkie, Orode Uduaghan & Fidelia Salami

Dr. Uduaghan, who was represented by his daughter, Orode Uduaghan, commended convener of the summit, Mr. Omayeli Okotie, “for the well-chosen theme of the summit” and promised to partner Mr. Okotie’s company, SIAF Consulting Limited, to move Warri North Local Government Area forward. 

According to the former governor, the tourism industry rakes in billions of naira to Nigeria’s GDP annually and called for more attention to be given to the sector.

In his welcome address, Convener/Organizer of the summit, Mr. Omayeli Okotie, explained that the main objective of the conference, was to fashion out development plan for Warri North Local Government Area and market the rich economic potentials of the local government.

Mr. Omayeli Okotie, making his opening remarks

Mr. Okotie, called for the completion of Koko Township Stadium, increased access to financial institutions and creation of a master plan for the development of Warri North Local Government Area.

He commended the resource persons for their presentations and promised to take the outcome of the discussions to the appropriate authorities for implementation.

The Chairman, Advisory Board, Nana Living History Museum, Koko, Mr. Henry Erikowa, in his presentation titled: “Boosting the Local Economy, through Tourism, The Nana Living History Museum Experience”, revealed that the group was working hard to recover funds looted from Nana, when the British invaded his home at Ebrohimi, before they sent him on exile.

Mr. Erikowa, said there are 52 National Museums in Nigerian, including Nana Museum, Koko, saying he has helped to champion promotion of the tourism sector through Nana Living Museum.

He commended Mr. Bernard Otiri, “for introducing me to late Pa. Ayomike”, leading to his current position as manager of Nana Museum as well as adding value to the tourism industry, just as he noted that the team was working hard towards building Nana Boat and Cruise Centre, in order to boost tourism.

The Company Secretary of Awaritse Nigeria Limited, Desmond Dudu Esq., disclosed that Hon. Godwin Ebosa, during his time as Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, prepared a Blue print for the economic development of Warri North Local Government Area, which, “he's consolidating upon, by building schools and other infrastructures in Oboghoro, turning the community to a tourism hub and encouraging people to relocate from urban to riverine/rural areas”.

Desmond Dudu Esq, called on people of Warri North Local Government Area, to create the enabling environment for investors and revealed plans by the management of Awaritse Nigeria Limited, to build a free trade zone at Obitigbo Community in Koko, in a bid to improve economy of the area, create jobs and expand the IGR of the state.

While commending the organizer of the summit, Barr. Dudu, postulated that the Koko Port was strategically located to serve the North and Eastern parts of the country, but requires the dredging of the Escravos Breakwaters, in order for bigger ships to belt in the Port.

Vice Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area and former Secretary of Koko Community Management Authority, KCMA, Hon. Solomon Milkie, praised the organizer of the summit, expressing satisfaction with the well thought-out topics discussed by professionals.

Hon. Milkie, said Warri North Local Government Council, have perfected plans to make Koko Port functional, in exporting non-oil and gas products.

He encouraged investors to take advantage of opportunities that abound in the area, advising youths in the area, to be ready to work and shun drug abuse as well as other social vices.

A Leading Waste Management Company, Ebenco Global Links Limited, in their presentation through the firm’s Human Resources Manager, Sylvester Ugwoke, disclosed that the company donated 36-seater bus to its host community and enrolled students for WAEC/NECO exams, assuring that the company is on ground and ready to support the economy of Warri North Local Government Area.

Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba, represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Godwin Oziboro, declared support for the summit.

Fresh Angle International can report that other participants hailed the organizer for the success of the first ever Warri North Economic Summit, calling on stakeholders to implement the communique that was being expected from the summit.

A Cross Section of participants, at the summit

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