A call has been made to the Federal Government to fast-track the takeoff of the Federal Maritime University, Orerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, and kick-start academic activities. This call was made by the Ijaw National Congress, INC, at a stakeholder’s summit held in Warri.

The body also called on the Federal Government to holistically implement the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, report on Ogoniland, ensure that the amnesty programme granted Niger Delta ex-agitators was implemented to a logical conclusion, as well as make necessary investments to diversify the economy from over-dependence on oil.

The body also used the summit to analyse various issues affecting the Ijaw nation ranging from environmental degradation, effects of militarization on Ijaw culture and values, balkanization of Ijaws into different states, as well as drawing attention of the Federal Government to the 2016 budget which did not adequately provide for the Niger Delta development.

The Ijaw National Congress also expressed its readiness to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to move the nation forward.

Source: Vanguard