Buhari Approves Conversion Of Alvan Ikokwu To Varsity, Dredging Of Urashi River

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the conversation of Alvan Ikokwu Federal College of Education Owerri to a federal university of education and the conversion of the Federal Medical Centre to a university teaching hospital. The teaching hospital is for medical students of the Federal University of Technology Owerri.

This is even as the state government revealed it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Navy and Geomarine services for the survey and dredging of Urashi River to the sea.

Governor Hope Uzodimma made the disclosures via his social media handles, yesterday.

He announced that the state has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Navy and Geomarine services for the survey and dredging of Urashi River to the sea.

According to him, this is in a bid to open up the 93 kilometres of Urashi/Njaba River to the sea which seemed landlocked over the years and limited the economy of the state.

He explained that the dredging of the river among other things, will allow for commercial navigation and help curb oil theft in the state.

The governor said the dredging will help stimulate the state’s economy for the benefit of Imo people.

It is expected that when completed, the seaport will complement the economic activities of the other six major seaports in the country which will enable traders from the zone to import and receive their goods directly while enjoying a comparative advantage as well as promote and encourage the business spirit of the people of South East.

It will be recalled that the federal government approved the dredging of Urashi River to the Atlantic Sea which will serve as the first seaport in the South East region.

In another development, Uzodimma has presented vehicles to the three zonal heads and 27 local government chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council in the state.