The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Festus Ochonogor, says the commission is ending the year stronger following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s intervention, which enabled the payment of contractors owed and restored confidence on project delivery.
He disclosed this during a press briefing after the commission’s final board meeting for the year 2025 held at DESOPADEC headquarters in Warri, Delta State, presided over by the Chairman of the Board Olorogun Barr. John Nani.
Chief Ochonogor said the board met primarily to express their appreciation to the governor for the “massive intervention” that allowed DESOPADEC to offset debts owed to nearly 300 contractors.
He explained that while some contractors received 50 per cent of their outstanding payments others were paid in full as directed, easing operation and strengthening the commission’s ability to do more for the communities in its mandate area.
Reviewing the performance of the board, Chief Ochonogor said the commission has strengthened discipline and internal order, resolving issues around staff promotions and other administrative lapses. He stressed that DESOPADEC will not tolerate indiscipline.
On infrastructure, the managing director stated that the commission has completed several projects across all mandated ethnic nationalities—Urhobo, Isoko, Ijaw, Itsekiri Ika and Ndokwa.
With debts now cleared, project commissioning will commence early in 2025
He added that the board also reviewed arrangements for the commission’s annual end of year activities, which include support for staff, traditional institutions and communities across the mandate areas, noting that these seasonal programmes remain an important part of DESOPADEC’s engagement with its stakeholders.
Chief Ochonogor assured people of the mandate areas that DESOPADEC will continue to engage them and maintain its open-door policy. He urged the people to continue supporting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration for more development across the state.
