The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III has debunked media reports that he has splashed billions of naira for the completion of the Koko-Ogheye road project in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Recall that on Friday, October 15, 2021, a report surfaced in some media platforms (NewsNet Nigeria not inclusive) that the Olu of Warri has donated four billion naira to expedite the completion of the Koko-Ogheye road project awarded to Levant Construction Company by the Federal Government.
Former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on June 20, 2010, flagged off the construction of the N97 billion Koko-Ogheye Road.
The first phase of the project, estimated at N14.9 billion was awarded to Levant Construction Company by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
The Itsekiri nation monarch in a statement released on Saturday evening and signed by the Director, Palace Administration, Chief Clement Maleghemi, said at no time did he promise to fund the project.
Read the full statement below:
As part of a familiarisation visit of Federal Government projects in the Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III – The Olu of Warri recently visited the Koko-Ogheye Road Project (amongst other projects) in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
During the site visit, Ogiame had open discussions with representatives of the contractor, Levant Construction Company, and all conversations were in the open and at no time did Ogiame make a promise or indicate he will contribute any amount to the Koko-Ogheye Road Project or any of such project.
The Olu of Warri is eager (like all responsible leaders should be) to have all projects completed in record time, Ogiame also understands the difficulties the current economic situation places on the scarce resources available to the government.
The palace office (pressoffice@aghofen.com) is open for clarifications where the need arises.