Chukwu Commends Uzodimma’s Giant Strides on Proposed Construction of Integrated Special Energy Free Zone

… Affirms project ‘ll boost economy of Imo, South East

Following a town hall meeting at the Imo State Government House, Owerri, on Wednesday, February 13, 2025, with a select community leaders of Mgbara, Obokofia,Etekwuru, Ekeugba, Oforola , all in Ohaji/Egbema LGA; over Governor Hope Uzodimma’s unwavering commitment to constructing the Integrated Special Energy Free Zone (Export Processing Free Trade Zone) , also known as Orashi Project, an Imo illustrious son, scholar of note, and philanthropist, from the area, Dr. Ejike Chukwu (MON, Fcia), while commending the proactive steps taken by the Imo State governor on this landmark project, maintained that it would promote trade and investment, and spur growth in multiple sectors of Nigeria’s economy including shipping, manufacturing, and agriculture, offering numerous opportunities for the host communities in particular, Imo people, and Nigerians at large.

It is worthy of note that Dr. Ejike Chukwu, Chairman of Megadril Niger Limited, an established leading indigenous oil and gas company, had earlier stated, during the flag-off of the Pre-Dredging Hydrographic Survey of the proposed Sea Access Route from Oguta Lake through the Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean, that it is one signature project by Governor Hope Uzodimma if executed would eke his name in the sands of history and reduce mass unemployment and youth restiveness in the oil rich area.

In his remarks, Chukwu, harped on the need to secure the communities which are playing host to the multi-billion Naira project as a secured environment paves the way for a thriving business landscape and increased revenue for all parties.

He stated that the Imo state and the federal government, needs to maintain improved access to the sea to stimulate exports and imports, as the coastal communities in these parts will be better positioned to reap the rewards of increased trade and income.

He added that there is no better time to have set this in motion and get all the parties involved on one page.

Chukwu, a true advocate of the development of the oil rich region , and who also runs one of the people-driven foundations committed to empowering young minds through award of educational scholarships and alleviating poverty, cease the opportunity to passionately appeal to the leaders of Ohaji/Egbema and host communities to collaborate with the Imo state and federal governments including development partners in this proposed Integrated Special Energy Free Zone towards ensuring that the laudable project comes to fruition.

It was gathered that the Integrated Special Energy Free Trade Zone, a large-scale project was approved during the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration, would accommodate a river port, petrochemical plants, an oil refinery, power generation facilities, an industrial cluster, a mini LNG plant, a methanol plant, the Orashi Special Energy Free Zone, fabrication yards, and housing units, and it is on this premise that Dr. Ejike Chukwu is appealing to the host communities in Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta, Owerri West, and Ngor-Okpala LGAs to make some sacrifice by providing lands for this developmental project that has a ripple effect.

Addressing some concerns raised by community leaders, Ejike Chukwu explained that development would create greater opportunities in the hydrocarbon business, productively engage the youths and reduce restiveness, than mere farming, as this is also part of the state government’s efforts to open up new areas and windows of opportunities.