…Abe 1, Penawou, Ighrakpata, Ejinyere, others, grace groundbreaking ceremony at Okuatata, courtesy of Uvwie Local Govt*
_ By Dr. Godwin Orhadahwe
The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the construction of two access roads to link an ultra-modern market at Okuatata in Uvwie LGA of Delta State, being built by Uvwie Local Govt.
The Director General of Warri, Uvwie and Environs Special Area Devt Agency, WUEDA, Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere disclosed this on Monday at the ground-breaking ceremony of the multi facilities market, courtesy of Uvwie Local Govt. He said without access roads, the market would not be useful when completed.
In an interview with newsmen, Prince Ejinyere noted that Governor Oborevwori was bent on restoring the Oil City to its lost glory and even beyond through his More Agenda. He said when completed, the Atata Modern Market would fast track economic growth in the entire Uvwie land, and commended Uvwie Council Chairman Anthony Ofoni for the initiative.
In his welcome address, Chief Ofoni said the Atata market ground-breaking ceremony was the 4th of its series since he assumed office seven months ago, with two – Ekpan and Ugboroke modern markets – already completed and commissioned. He said “We want to touch the lives of our people in Uvwie land in line with our manifestoes; every community in Uvwie will have the feel of government.” He then commended the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Abe 1 for his support.
For his part, the Uvwie Monarch Abe 1 thanked God for all the development projects in Uvwie land during his reign, and commended the Chairman of Uvwie Local Govt for his development strides since assuming office.
Earlier, the Delta State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Kelly Penawou thanked Governor Oborevwori for approving the construction of access roads and drainages to link the market with other parts of the Council Area and beyond, towards attracting people from within and outside Uvwie, thereby facilitating development.
Also speaking, Engr. George Eghwrujakpor of Crystalix Integrated Services, the firm to handle the project said, “the Atata market consists of 200 stores – 120 lock-up stores, and 80 open stores; market offices; a cold room; an abattoir, toilet facilities; bore hole and water reticulation facilities; a car park; drainage and road networks; perimeter fencing; solar street light; and a security post.”
He said the project which would be completed in 12 months time, would meet international technical standards, and would provide job opportunities for the hardworking people of, not only Uvwie LGA, but also other Nigerians from within and outside Delta State.
The ground-breaking ceremony was well attended by principal officers of Uvwie Local Govt; Palace Chiefs from Uvwie Kingdom, including the President General of Uvwie Kingdom, Chief Hope Erute; the representatives of Atata family; as well as community and youth leaders in the area.
Thereafter, Hon. Chief Solomon Ighrakpata went with Hon. Chief Anthony Ofoni and Hon. Prince Ejinyere to Jefia Avenue, opposite PTI main gate, Effurun, on a drainage situation assessment visit, while community leaders in the area explained the flood threats posed by the lack of a drainage channel on the street for years.
*Report by the Media Dept of WUEDA*
