The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom in Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, has urged the Federal Government to urgently curtail the indiscriminate dredging of the urban areas in the state.
The traditional leader made the call at reception held in honour of Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Effurun.
He said that the actions of the illegal dredging companies were posing a serious threat and danger to the survival of the communities.
Sideso urged the Federal Government to upgrade the Osubi Airport to international standard, adding that the youth had taken over part of the Airport as a football pitch.
He said that the reappointment of Keyamo, a son of the Uvwie Kingdom as Minister, was a reflection of the trust bestowed upon him to lead and make decisions that would shape the future of Nigeria.
“We have faith in your abilities to rise to the occasion and contribute significantly to the prosperity and well-being of our country.
“As we celebrate this milestone, remember that it goes with a lot of expectations and responsibilities.
“The entire Urhobo Nation is eager to see what you will do to Osubi airport. The survival, expansion, internalisation and standardisation lie in your hands.
“Do remember that some eminent Urhobo sons and daughters that could be immortalised by naming some airports after them as was done to others recently,” he said.
The traditional ruler appealed to the federal government to revitalise and revamp the moribund Warri, Sapele and Koko ports to accommodate bigger vessels.
He said that the gesture would help to decongest Lagos ports, facilitate commerce and industry in the Nigeria Delta and create job opportunities.
He urged the federal government to release the portion of the Uvwie land acquired for the Nigerian Army’s use as Barracks.
Sideso alleged that the land was now being sold to private developers and homeowners through sales, alienation lease to individuals and corporate bodies through intermediaries.
He urged the federal government provide adequate funding for the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE).
He drew the attention of the government to the poor states of the Warri-Effurun-Sapele-Benin Road and the Orerokpe-Eku-Abraka-Agbor Road, and the creation of a Police Area Command in Uvwie Local Government Area.
Earlier, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta expressed confidence in the ability of Keyamo to discharge his responsibilities effectively.
The governor was represented by Mr Charles Aniagwu, his Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Communities.
Oborevwori promised to cooperate with the Minister in attracting meaningful development to the state.
“You are a pride of Delta. We are proud of your achievements and appointment to represent our state at the Federal Executive Council.
“We are not in doubt that your will give us a worthy representation.
“As a state, we are not here by accident but to identify with you and the people of Uvwie kingdom,” he said.
Oborevwori said that building bridges of possibilities across different frontiers was one of the focal points of his administration.
“We have made it clear to develop all parts of the state and we have starter with Warri. Very soon, we will come and conduct the groundbreaking ceremony.
“We urged the people of Delta to give us the support and cooperation to fulfil our Four points agenda,” he pleaded.
In his remark, Keyamo said that the privilege to serve in public offices could only be given by God and not because of intelligence.
“The office belongs to us, so I feel the heavy weight of expectations on my shoulder. Delta has suffered in many areas for so long.
“This is the time for us to begin to push our sons and daughters to very prominent positions to speak on our behalf.
“The CEOs in the Aviation Ministry have heard the cry of my people about the infrastructure that we need here badly in so many sectors especially in the Aviation.
“As public officers, we should all go back and deliver the message to our President, Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Keyamo encouraged the people of Delta, irrespective of their profession to represent the state and not their personal interest.
In attendance were politicians including former governor of Delta, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Thomas Ereyitomi, member Representing Warri Federal Constituency and Chairman, Delta Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Solomon Ighrakpata.
Others were the founding father of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta, O’tega Emerhor, Mr Omene Sobote, the Orodje of Okpe kingdom, Major-Gen Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) and other royals fathers, clerics and among others.
The reception witnessed the display of cultural dance by the various ethnic tribes resident in Uvwie Kingdom.
By Edeki Igafe
