Amidst pomp and jubilation, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, JP OON on Tuesday launched the groundbreaking of the Uvwie Police Area Command headquarters in Effurun, saying the project will “bury the insecurities of the past and unearth a new era of peace, law and order”.
The occasion was witnessed by Delta State Commissioner for Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, three traditional rulers, namely the Pere of Akugbene Mein, HRM Stanley Perediegha Luke-Kalanma VIII, Ovie of Arhawarien Kingdom, HRM Solomon Okunkeren, Okunkeren III and Ovie of Agbarha, Warri, HRM Ataneru Igbi II. Others were Hon Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, Chairman, Delta Tax Board, and Hon. Chief Anthony Ofoni, the Chairman, Uvwie Local Government Council among others
In his speech, the Uvwie Monarch who vowed to complete the project within 12 months, said: “It is with a profound sense of gratitude, fulfillment, and historic triumph that I welcome you all to this monumental groundbreaking ceremony for the Uvwie Area Command Headquarters, Effurun. Today, we are not just turning the sod for a building, we are laying the foundation for a safer, more prosperous future for the entire Uvwie Kingdom and Delta State.
“Eighteen years ago, in 2008, when I ascended the throne, Uvwie Kingdom stood at a critical crossroads. We were plagued by severe youth restiveness – a challenge that was deeply exacerbated by a stark lack of adequate policing infrastructure. Our local economy suffered, and our people lived in constant anxiety.
“As a strategic hub and a proud host to critical national oil and gas infrastructures, Uvwie could not afford to remain a flashpoint of instability. Security is the bedrock of economic growth. We knew that to protect our communities and safeguard these vital national assets, our security architecture had to evolve.
“True peace is not just the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice and robust institutional support.”
Through resilience, dialogue, and collaborative governance, we turned the tide. That dark chapter of 2008 spurred a systematic expansion of security in our kingdom: We witnessed the strategic creation of four distinct police divisions across Uvwie Kingdom to bring policing closer to the grassroots. i.e (i) Ekpan Division, (ii) Enerhen Division, (iii) Ebrumede Division and (iv) Ugborikoko Division”
Through resilience, dialogue, and collaborative governance, we turned the tide. That dark chapter of 2008 spurred a systematic expansion of security in our kingdom: We witnessed the strategic creation of four distinct police divisions across Uvwie Kingdom to bring policing closer to the grassroots. i.e (i) Ekpan Division, (ii) Enerhen Division, (iii) Ebrumede Division and (iv) Ugborikoko Division”
The Uvwie Monarch continued: “Today, we culminate that vision by establishing this Area Command to serve as the vital operational brain, coordinating all security efforts under a unified, high-level command structure.”This Area Command is a testament to what can be achieved when the government, the traditional institution, and the security agencies work hand-in-hand. To our vibrant youth, I say this: The infrastructure is built to protect you, your businesses, and your future. Let us continue to choose dialogue over restiveness, and collaboration over confrontation.
“To the Nigeria Police Force, we offer our unwavering cooperation. We expect that this new Command will further enhance proactive policing, rapid response, and deep community engagement. Let me use this opportunity to thank those who assisted to provide the Area Command take-off station at Ekpan Police Division. We are most grateful to DESOPADEC for the completion of the building.
“We are also grateful to Uvwie sons and daughters who contributed in furnishing the office and provided other operational logistics. HRM Kingsley Orereh, Igbi II, Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom must not go unmentioned. Hon Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, Hon. Chief Anthony Ofoni, Hon. Chief Festus Keyamo (SAN)
HRM Sideso then called partners, corporate bodies, Uvwie sons and daughters and other stakeholders not to hesitate to key into this laudable project.He expressed his deepest appreciation to the Delta State Government, the Police Hierarchy, and the stakeholders who made today a reality. As we break this ground today, June 30, 2026, we bury the insecurities of the past and unearth a new era of peace, law and order.
In a speech, the Delta State Police Commissioner CP Yemi Oyeniyi said policing would become easier when traditional rulers and other stakeholders give maximum support to the police as the Uvwie Monarch and the people were doing saying this was in line with state police which the federal government was currently encouraging.
In an welcome address, the Uvwie LGC Chairman, Chief Anthony Ofoni the ground breaking ceremony of the Uvwie Area command was in line with Delta State security agenda and called for support from all stakeholders to ensure speedy completion of the project. Also, the Project Chairman, Chief Henry Urumedji who is also the Unuevworo of Ovwori called on all bussiness owners, community leaders and other stakeholders to key into the project to ensure early completion
