Chidi Nkwopara
12 January 2009
Owerri — Imo State Government has acquired a piece of land in oil rich Abacheke, Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state for the construction of the proposed Royal Oak Refinery and Petrochemical Industry Complex.
The event took place in the palace of the traditional ruler of Egbema, Eze Sunny N.A. Uzor, when the Implementation Committee, headed by the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Goodluck Nanah Opiah, was handed over the acquired land for the project by the whole community.
Addressing members of the community, the Speaker said that the coming of the multi- billion Naira petroleum complex was part of the efforts of the present state government to not only industrialise the state but also fulfill its promise to attract industrialists to the state.
"In the course of searching for investors, Governor Ikedi Ohakim brokered the deal that led to the coming of Royal Oak Company. Government has concluded arrangements to ensure that the energy complex takes off smoothly", Opiah told the people.
It was the considered opinion that when fully actualised, the petrochemical complex would generate the promised jobs for the people, as well as boost the economy of the area and the state in general.
"It must be said loud and clear that the present state administration is very determined to make real its earlier promise of delivering democratic dividends to the citizenry, as well as ensuring that the masses fully benefit from good governance", the Speaker said.
According to Chief Opiah, several other downstream projects would trail Oak Energy Complex, adding that the Orashi River will be dredged to connect the ocean with a view to encouraging water transportation in the area.
Continuing, Opiah appealed to the citizenry to be law abiding, and promised that while due compensation would be paid for economic trees and other related issues, a reputable estate valuer has been mandated by the state government to take charge of issues related to the acquired land.
"There will definitely be a difference Oak Company and previous multi-national oil companies that relegated the interest of the host communities in the course of their business", the Speaker promised.
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