In line with the directive of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Taskforce on Environment in collaboration with Uvwie Local Government Council, Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, Warri South Local Government Council, and relevant security agencies, on Friday 09/01/26, carried out a major enforcement exercise across key locations in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The exercise, tagged “Operation Keep Warri and Uvwie Clean,” was aimed at restoring sanity, improving environmental cleanliness, and easing traffic congestion within the metropolis.
Enerhe Junction
At Enerhe Junction, the taskforce expressed concern over the indiscriminate trading activities that have turned the newly constructed flyover into a makeshift marketplace. Traders were also found occupying roadways and every corner of the junction, while tricycle (Keke Napep) operators converted the area into an illegal parking lot, causing severe hardship for commuters.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment, Chief Godspower Omafuvwe Asiuwhu JP who was ably represented by the Coordinator, Comrade Frank Orogun issued a stern warning to environmental offenders across the state. He noted that several abatement notices had earlier been served on the traders, with the knowledge of community executives, but were repeatedly ignored.
As a result, the enforcement team evacuated illegal traders and cleared the entire area, removing tables, wares, and other obstructions from the road and beneath the flyover.
PTI Junction
At PTI Junction and the ongoing flyover construction area, traders were directed to remove their goods from the roads, walkways, areas under high-tension cables, and other unsafe locations. The taskforce emphasized that the directive was issued primarily for the safety of the traders and the general public.
During the exercise, blocked drainage channels at PTI Junction were opened, revealing heavy accumulation of refuse. Traders were instructed to immediately clean the drains and maintain proper sanitation in the area.
Jakpa Junction
At Jakpa Junction, chicken sellers and other roadside traders were ordered to vacate public roads and walkways due to safety, traffic, sanitation, and infrastructural concerns. The traders were given a 14-day ultimatum to relocate to Effurun Market to continue their businesses.
Stakeholders Speak
The Director General of the Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere, described the enforcement as a continuous exercise aimed at sustaining cleanliness and beautification in Warri, especially after the completion of major infrastructural projects. He lamented that the multi-billion-naira flyover project had been defaced by illegal trading activities and warned traders to desist henceforth.
Hon. Ejinyere also directed the leadership of the Keke Napep association to relocate their members away from the roads, noting that the move would significantly improve traffic flow and ease vehicular movement.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Hon. Andrew Agagbo, assured that the council would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
Additionally, the taskforce served a 72-hour abatement notice to traders operating along the Urhobo College fence, directing them to evacuate and clean up drainage channels that had been silted with refuse.
Call for Public Support
Chief Asiuwhu commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to improving road infrastructure, drainage systems, and the overall economic outlook of the state. He noted that the ongoing enforcement would address years of gridlock and significantly enhance the aesthetics of affected areas.
He appealed to traders and residents of Delta State to support the Oborevwori administration by protecting public infrastructure and maintaining a clean and orderly environment.
The taskforce reiterated its resolve to sustain the operation until full compliance is achieved across Warri, Uvwie, and adjoining communities.
