The Aku of Obeaku Kingdom, His Royal Highness Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke, has reiterated that the proposed seaport project in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State should be officially recognized as the Obeaku Seaport, insisting that there is no approved or recognised project known as the “Azumini-Obeaku Seaport.”
The monarch made the clarification while receiving a delegation of government officials from Abia State alongside a technical team from China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, the company responsible for the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port. The team was in Obeaku for an on-site feasibility and hydrographic survey of the proposed seaport waterways.
The delegation, which was received at the royal palace by members of the traditional council, community leaders, and a large gathering of residents, included the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Prince Okey Kanu; the Executive Chairman of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibunna Akara; members of the State Executive Council; and Special Advisers to the Governor.
Addressing the gathering, Eze Ekeke urged the state government and relevant authorities to immediately correct all official documents and public references relating to the project, stressing that it should consistently reflect its proper identity as the Obeaku Seaport.
He noted that the Obeaku community has already demonstrated strong commitment to the project by donating over 2,000 acres of land, adding that the community remains fully prepared to provide land, security, and manpower support to ensure its successful execution.
“We have made significant sacrifices for this project and remain fully committed to its realization. The correct name is Obeaku Seaport, and all references should reflect that,” the monarch said.
Responding on behalf of the state government, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, assured the traditional ruler and stakeholders that the naming issue had been duly noted and corrected. He clarified that there is no official project designated as the “Azumini-Obeaku Seaport.”
Kanu further explained that the Azumini Blue River has been gazetted by the administration of Governor Alex Otti for development into a world-class tourism and recreational destination, which he said will complement the proposed seaport and boost the local economy.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibunna Akara, commended Governor Alex Otti for fulfilling his campaign promise on the Obeaku Seaport project, describing it as evidence of visionary leadership and political commitment.
He also praised the CHEC technical team for their professionalism in assessing the viability of the project and lauded the people of Obeaku for their unity and support.
The visit concluded with technical experts from CHEC, government officials, and community leaders moving to the waterways to commence bathymetric and navigational studies as part of ongoing feasibility assessments for the proposed seaport.
