...Groundbreaking for New Effurun Area Command Marks Historic Step Towards Strengthening Security in Uvwie
The commitment of the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni (JP), to ensuring the protection of lives and property received a major boost as he joined His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, JP, OON, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, to perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a modern Police Area Command in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The ceremony, which attracted an impressive gathering of government officials, traditional rulers, senior police officers, community leaders, political stakeholders, and residents, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the security architecture of Uvwie Kingdom. It also reaffirmed the shared commitment of the local government, the traditional institution, and the Nigeria Police Force to building a safer environment capable of supporting sustainable economic growth and community development.
The proposed Area Command is expected to significantly improve policing across Uvwie Local Government Area by bringing security operations closer to the people, increasing police visibility, enhancing intelligence gathering, improving response time to emergencies, and strengthening the relationship between security agencies and the communities they serve.
For many residents, the project represents more than the construction of another government facility. It is widely seen as a symbol of renewed hope and a practical demonstration that security remains one of the highest priorities of the administration of Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni. The development is also expected to encourage greater deployment of police personnel across communities while creating an enabling environment for businesses and investments to flourish.
Addressing guests during the groundbreaking ceremony, Chairman Ofoni expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty for making the historic occasion possible, describing it as a dream that had finally become reality after years of anticipation and collective efforts.
He noted that the commencement of the project was a defining moment in the history of Uvwie Kingdom and reaffirmed his administration's determination to continue investing in projects capable of improving the welfare, safety, and prosperity of the people.
Chairman Ofoni also used the opportunity to commend the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as remarkable developmental achievements across the state, particularly within Uvwie Local Government Area. According to him, the governor's commitment to infrastructural development and improved governance has continued to inspire confidence among Deltans.
He stated that the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori has continued to transform communities through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security, adding that the governor's support has made several developmental initiatives within Uvwie possible.
The council chairman equally reserved special appreciation for the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, JP, OON, Abe I, whom he described as an exceptional traditional ruler whose commitment to peace, unity, and development has continued to inspire the people.
According to Chairman Ofoni, the monarch's fatherly guidance, prayers, and unwavering support have kept Uvwie Kingdom on the path of stability and progress. He noted that throughout the reign of the respected monarch, the kingdom has witnessed tremendous growth in various sectors, stressing that the establishment of a befitting Police Area Command further demonstrates the monarch's unwavering desire to guarantee lasting peace and security for his people.
Describing the royal father as a priceless treasure to the kingdom, Chairman Ofoni expressed confidence that the collaboration between the local government, the traditional institution, and security agencies would continue to produce positive results capable of transforming Uvwie into one of the safest local government areas in Delta State.
He maintained that security remains a collective responsibility involving both government and citizens, stressing that meaningful development cannot thrive in an atmosphere characterized by fear and insecurity.
According to him, the decision to embark on the construction of a modern Area Command was informed by the need to provide an enabling environment that would encourage business growth, attract investment, create employment opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
He explained that investors naturally seek communities where peace and security are guaranteed, adding that the presence of a modern police facility would strengthen public confidence while sending positive signals to businesses operating within the council area.
Chairman Ofoni stated that the establishment of the Area Command would significantly improve intelligence gathering, increase police presence across communities, and facilitate faster response to emergencies.
He appreciated all stakeholders whose commitment, cooperation, and sacrifices contributed to making the project a reality, expressing optimism that the facility would play a major role in reducing crime and criminality across Uvwie Local Government Area.
The chairman further expressed confidence that the commencement of the project marks the beginning of a new era of sustained peace and security in Uvwie Kingdom. He assured residents that every effort would be made to ensure speedy execution and timely completion of the project within the stipulated period.
He appealed to residents to cooperate fully with the contractors handling the construction and urged them to regard the project as a collective asset that deserves protection throughout the construction period and after completion.
Also speaking during the ceremony, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, conveyed the goodwill message of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Rilwan Disu, while expressing appreciation to the people of Uvwie Kingdom for their unwavering support towards strengthening security within the area.
The Commissioner of Police commended the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, and the entire people of the kingdom for demonstrating genuine commitment to improving security through the construction of the Area Command.
He explained that the Nigeria Police Force is increasingly embracing community policing by strengthening collaboration with host communities, adding that effective policing can only succeed where there is trust, cooperation, and active participation by members of the public.
According to CP Oyeniyi, the proposed Area Command represents one of the numerous ways through which the people of Uvwie have continued to support the Nigeria Police Force in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He praised the community for consistently providing the police with the necessary cooperation required to combat crime effectively and appealed for sustained collaboration between residents and security agencies.
The police commissioner assured the people that the Delta State Police Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property and would continue deploying its best resources towards ensuring that criminal activities are drastically reduced throughout Uvwie Kingdom.
Chief Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu also expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the successful groundbreaking ceremony, describing the project as a significant milestone that would strengthen peace and security across Uvwie Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of the project committee, High Chief Henry Urumeji, who is the Unuevworo of Etche Ovwori and Chairman of the Project Committee, appealed to sons and daughters of Uvwie Kingdom, corporate organizations, philanthropists, and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute towards the successful completion of the project.
He disclosed that the proposed Area Command would occupy approximately 3.5 acres of land and would feature modern facilities designed to meet contemporary policing standards.
According to him, the complex will consist of an administrative block housing several operational offices, rank-and-file accommodation with perimeter fencing, six units of two-bedroom residential apartments, a semi-detached two-storey building, and other essential facilities required for efficient police operations.
He explained that the architectural design was carefully developed to provide officers with a conducive working environment while enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.
News of the construction of the Area Command generated widespread excitement among sons and daughters of Uvwie Kingdom, residents, friends of the kingdom, and stakeholders who attended the ceremony.
In a remarkable show of support, several individuals and organizations immediately pledged financial contributions towards the successful execution of the project, creating strong optimism that construction would be completed within the projected period of twelve to eighteen months.
The highlight of the event was the official groundbreaking ceremony performed by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, JP, OON, Abe I.
In his address, the revered monarch described the occasion as far more significant than merely turning the soil for construction. According to him, the ceremony represents the laying of a solid foundation for a safer, more peaceful, and more prosperous future for the people of Uvwie Kingdom and Delta State.
The monarch recalled the enormous security challenges confronting the kingdom when he ascended the throne, noting that widespread youth restiveness and inadequate security infrastructure had created serious economic and social difficulties for the people.
He observed that insecurity discouraged investment, disrupted economic activities, and created anxiety among residents, emphasizing that sustainable development can only be achieved where peace and security exist.
According to the Ovie, security remains the bedrock of economic growth, stressing that Uvwie Kingdom hosts several strategic national assets whose protection requires strong collaboration between government, traditional institutions, and security agencies.
He explained that the establishment of the new Area Command clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when all stakeholders work together in pursuit of a common objective.
The royal father urged young people across the kingdom to embrace peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement, reminding them that the new police facility is intended to protect their lives, businesses, and future rather than intimidate them.
He encouraged them to reject violence and always choose collaboration over confrontation in resolving disputes.
The monarch further assured the Nigeria Police Force of the kingdom's continued support and cooperation while expressing confidence that the new Area Command would improve proactive policing, strengthen community engagement, and facilitate quicker response to security challenges.
He also appreciated those who contributed towards providing the temporary take-off facility for the Area Command at the Ekpan Police Division.
His Royal Majesty equally commended the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for its support and appreciated the presence of fellow traditional rulers from neighbouring kingdoms who attended the ceremony in solidarity.
The historic event attracted several dignitaries, including Hon. Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, Chairman of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Edafe Emakpor, member representing Uvwie Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, respected royal fathers, senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, community leaders, political office holders, appointees, staff of Uvwie Local Government Council, and numerous residents.
Traditional rulers present included HRM Ovie Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Igbi II, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom; HRM Pere Stanley Perediegha Luke, Kalanama VIII, the Pere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom; and HRM Solomon Akporhiere Okukeren III, the Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom.
Senior police officers in attendance included CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, ACP Aliyu Shaba, CSP Shaibu, CSP Temi Agbede Zuokumor, CSP Otobore Godday, SP Bright Edafe, alongside other senior officers of the Delta State Police Command.
The well-attended ceremony marked a historic turning point in the security landscape of Uvwie Local Government Area, reinforcing the shared commitment of government, traditional institutions, security agencies, and the people to building safer communities and advancing the peace and development objectives of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's MORE Agenda.
