'EPZ Project Can Stop Militancy, Reunite Ijaw, Itsekiri'

A member of the $16-billion private-driven Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, Wednesday, said that the project will employ about 150,000 men and women at the construction stage, and over 5,000 workers when completed.
According to Bebenimibo also said that the same project was capable of stopping militancy in the Niger Delta region.
Bebenimibo, representing Ijaw interest in the Gbaramatu Deep Sea Port part of the project with the Gas City component in an Itsekiri enclave, said that, “I wish to add my voice to the call to President Muhammadu Buhari to put machinery in place to continue this project as part of the stimulus to the economy to address the current economic recession in the country.
“There is no doubt also that this project will address the issue of militancy in the Niger Delta region as unemployment and lack of developmental projects in the region are likely factors fuelling resurgence in the region.
“Clearly, this project will significantly address the issue of unemployment in the country, as over 150,000 men and women will be engaged in the construction stage alone, and over 5,000,000 work-force when the project is completed.
“With the present economic situation in Nigeria, this project is very crucial to add value to the economic life of the masses.
“It will also unite the two major benefiting tribes of Ijaw and Itsekiri as the need for peaceful co-existence on their part will equally guarantee hitch-free crude oil exploration activities by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he added.