The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, has raised concerns over the growing menace of perennial flooding in Okuokoko, Udu, Warri, and Uvwie, lamenting the untold hardship residents are facing due to poor drainage infrastructure.
This call formed part of the resolutions reached during the chapel’s maiden Congress, held at its newly commissioned, ultra-modern edifice at the High Chief Government Ekpemupolo Press Centre on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The communique signed on behalf of the Union by Pastor Ebenezer Adurokiya, Mr. Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen and Comrade Matthew Omonigho, the Chapel noted that residents of the affected areas were suffering while buildings fear looming collapse.
It urged the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to immediately prioritise the construction of functional drainage systems across flood-prone areas, especially in Okuokoko, a suburb of Okpe Local Government Area, where the flooding situation is said to have reached a critical stage.
The Union, however, commended Governor Oborevwori for his infrastructure push, particularly the ongoing flyover projects at PTI Junction, Enerhen Junction, and the DSC Roundabout in Uvwie.
They also drew the attention of the Governor to the dilapidated condition of the stretch between Effurun Roundabout and DSC Roundabout, now riddled with gullies, causing prolonged traffic jams and loss of productive hours.
The Union called on Julius Berger, the contractor handling the projects, to expedite remedial work on the affected roads.
Tompolo, Pondi Lauded For Supporting Journalism
The Congress, however, poured ecomium on the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, for building a state-of-the-art press centre for media practitioners in the region.
The Congress further appreciated High Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of TSSNL, and Dr. Paul Benenimibo, Registrar of the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, for their instrumental roles in facilitating the landmark project.
It further commended the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Warri, HRM Oghenechuko Morris Eyekpimi (Owhotenu 1), and the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM King Monday Obukowho Whiskey PhD (Odurhie 1), both of whom contributed to and attended the commissioning ceremony.
The Congress paid glowing tribute to Asiwaju Sola Adebayo, described as the project’s “pathfinder,” for his wisdom, selflessness, and for initiating the idea that led to the birth of the press centre.
The Congress expressed disappointment over the deplorable condition of the access road to the press centre located on Eburu Street, off Okumagba Avenue Road, and appealed to Governor Oborevwori to extend his road reconstruction efforts to the area.
They also called on the Warri Uvwie Environs Development Agency (WUEDA) to accelerate its ongoing road and drainage rehabilitation works along Eboh Street and surrounding areas in Warri to reduce the impact of flooding and ease vehicular movement.
