N’Delta Govs Plan Study On Oil Pollution

Governors under the aegis of South-South Governors Forum have disclosed plans to commence a baseline study of oil pollution across the six states in the region.  They also pledged to evolve stronger measures to check oil bunkering and illegal refineries through stiff environmental laws.

The governors dropped the hint after their meeting over the weekend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Chairman of the body and Governor of Cross Rivers State, Senator Liyel Imoke who briefed newsmen after the meeting also disclosed that the forum agreed to give priority to agriculture and education in their various states.

Commenting more on the issue of agriculture, Senator Imoke said plans are in top gear to shift to large-scale agriculture which he maintained would provide the basis for the diversification from oil.

“The development of large-scale agriculture will boost production and security, create jobs for the people and sustainable development, “Imoke noted.

He disclosed that in order to drive the plan,  the governors’ regional body has established relevant committees to fashion ways ahead its next summit billed for Asaba,  Delta State by November this year.

On education, he stated that the forum has vowed to address the down-turn in the sector by building the required manpower that would sustain the sector in the future. In addition, he stressed, part of the scheme is to organise a regional education summit to be held in 2012, to address issues of global economy and the dwindling fortunes in education”. he said.

The Forum also stressed the importance of the Lagos-Calabar rail line arguing that it would be a major economic artery, as it would provide momentum for major infrastructure development in the region.

The Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam (right), welcoming the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ms Ama Pepple, during the minister’s visit, recently.