- Receives Niger Delta Oil And Gas People Development Forum
The Executive Director Projects, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC), Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu has called on the splinter group agitating for the development of the oil producing Communities in Delta State and Niger Delta in general to eschew division so they can achieve their desired goals.
Giving this charge while addressing the Executive members and members of the Niger Delta Oil and Gas People Development Forum, (NDOGPDF), Delta State Chapter, in his office in Warri, Dr. Okorodudu said the struggle to bring development to the Niger Delta region was a collective one and having succeeded in the establishment of the Commission, every splinter group should come together so as to achieve their desired collective goals.
“In my position as EDP, DESOPADEC, I have received other similar groups that struggled for the 13th percent derivation and establishment of the Commission. There is always progress where there is unity because united we stand and divided we fall. I also urge you to seek peace among yourselves.
“On your demand for inclusion on empowerment by DESOPADEC, I will not shy away but as an EDP, the bulk does not stop on my table, but the MD/CEO,” he said.
Speaking further, he advised them to channel their request to the MD/CEO DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor for their demands to be attended to in earnest, noting that he will assist in taking up their demands having met with them.
He equally advised them to pray for him to be able to have the support of the other Members in terms of acceding to their request.
Earlier, the President of the group, Dr. Beauty Agbabor had informed the EDP that they were amongst the group that struggled for the 13th percent derivation and establishment of DESOPADEC but that the Commission has not carried them along in the scheme of things, pleading that they should be recognized and empowered as others.
“We were in the forefront during the struggle with our father, Chief Wellington Okrika but as soon as the derivation was granted and the Commission established, the efforts of some of us were undermined. Some of us have no jobs and no businesses. No employment for our children who are graduates. We need employment for them hence our visit, sir. We want the Commission to help us as they have been doing for others,” she said.
Lauding the Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his developmental strides with his Renewed Hope for M.O.R.E Agenda, she emphasized that the purpose of their visit is for inclusion not confrontation.
Others who spoke, lamented that the system had abandoned them after the actualization of the 13 percent derivation and establishment of the Commission.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a copy of their request to the EDP.
In attendance were Engr. Stephen Brosu, Secretary; Efejuku Elemi C. Eghaire; Esther Edoreh; Ogbeh Ngozi; Eng. Tony Okuwe, Executive Assistant Project to EDP; Engr. Friday Money, Head, Works Department; Engr. Elliott Olokor, Head, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation PME Department; Engr. Onokpasa, SA to EDP; Mr. Festus Ifowodo, Head, Utility Department; Engr. Collins Okorodudu, Technical Assistant, TA to EDP; Qs Oyimi Williams, Head, Housing Department amongst others.
