Seeks revitalisation of seaports in the state
Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom in Delta State, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, has urged the Federal Government to intervene in the alleged illegal “occupation” of Uvwie land by the Army.

The monarch, who spoke during the grand reception of the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, by his kingdom, sought the release of their land acquired for use as barracks by the Army, but now being sold to private developers.

He said: “We seek the release and reversion of the portion of our land acquired for the Nigerian Army’s use for barracks, which is now being sold to private developers and homeowners through sale and lease to individuals and corporate bodies at huge sums of money through unknown intermediaries. 

“In a bizarre twist, the Army authorities, through their cohorts, have further taken possession of our lands beyond the size the Federal Government originally acquired for the Army. We dare say that the Nigerian Army cannot be an occupying force against our people. We demand the reversion of our lands.

Also, the Federal Government should stop indiscriminate dredging by individual in urbanised areas, which poses serious threat to our communities,” the monarch said. 

Sideso urged the Federal Government to revitalise the Osubi Airport, in the outskirts of Warri, to international standard to accommodate bigger aircraft.

He also appealed for the revamping of the seaports in Warri, Sapele and Koko to accommodate bigger vessels and decongest the Lagos ports and facilitate commerce and industry in the Niger Delta.
The monarch sought proper funding of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, saying it has become a glorified institution due to poor funding.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, past governors and deputy governors, National Assembly members, captains of industry, aviation moguls, businessmen, leaders across parties in the country and people from all walks of life attended the reception for the Delta-born minister.