On inception, the State government was given an ultimatum to reverse or abolish the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission (DESOPADEC) bill passed by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by the then Governor, SEN (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa.
DESOPADEC has also received criticism so far, like every other government agency.
The International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, in a paper titled, ‘The challenges of Environmental Degradation: The Role of DESOPADEC in Delta State’, by Idibra, et al said inter alia, ‘based on the analysis, it was revealed that an intervention organization called DESOPADEC, which was established to provide adequate social protection programs for oil host communities have not done enough due to corruption and political interference from the state government. The study therefore recommended, among others, that DESOPADEC, as an interventionist agency established by the Delta State Government to provide the welfare of oil-bearing communities, should strictly adhere to the constitutional provision that established it.
It. The commission aims to provide social amenities in oil host communities and, therefore, should avoid acts of corruption, political interference, and take proactive measures to provide socially necessary amenities in the oil host communities of the Delta State.’
According to a report by Ossai Ovie Success, ‘ DESOPADEC is changing lives in oil-producing communities and its impacts on the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
DESOPADEC has witnessed a renewed sense of purpose and effectiveness under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda—an acronym for meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security. With a focus on inclusive growth and equitable resource distribution, DESOPADEC has been strategically aligned to prioritise infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment in oil-producing communities. This synergy has led to faster project implementation and better accountability across the board. One of the most notable impacts has been in the area of infrastructure development.
Another report by Barth Ozah, ‘by investing in human capital, the commission is addressing root causes of unemployment and youth restiveness, which are critical to sustaining long-term peace in oil-producing areas.
Finally, under the MORE agenda’s push for enhanced peace and security, DESOPADEC has played a vital role in community engagement and conflict resolution.
Through partnerships with traditional leaders, youth groups, and local organisations, the commission has helped to mitigate tensions and promote a more peaceful coexistence. This has resulted in a more stable environment for both residents and investors, demonstrating the power of coordinated development planning under a visionary policy framework, being spearheaded by the managing director, Chief Festus Ochonogor and Chairman Olorogun John Nani.’
The Executive Director Projects, on the board of DESOPADEC, Olorogun Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu, in June 2025, said,’ DESOPADEC is a commission that is dedicated to empowering oil-bearing communities. DESOPADEC has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of people in the oil-bearing communities. In fact, DESOPADEC, as a commission, is dedicated to empowering the oil-bearing communities.
Established in 2007, the commission has undergone several transformations, with a mandate to utilize 50% of the state’s derivation fund to upgrade the living standards of these communities. He stated that the mandate areas cut across 21 out of the 25 local government areas of Delta State
‎Chairman of DESOPADEC, John Nani, also warned residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse and erecting buildings on drainage channels. Equipped with swamp buggies, the DESOPADEC team is clearing clogged canals and drainage systems in Warri, Uvwie, Jesse, Ughelli, and Sapele Effurun, Kwale, Agbor, and Umutu, as a proactive measure to minimise the impact of the impending floods, as predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET. Ochonogor highlighted that the future of society, particularly in oil-producing areas, relies heavily on the youth. He outlined DESOPADEC’s significant investments in youth-oriented initiatives, including a programme aimed at equipping young individuals with essential skills for the job market.
The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has commended the DESOPADEC under the leadership of Chief Festus Ochonogor for living up to the mandate establishing the commission and sticking to the road map of progress. Their spokesman, Dr Theophilus Alaye, led the leadership of IYC. Comrade Bedford Berefa, who gave the commendation in a chat with newsmen, said the Chief Ochonogor-led leadership of DESOPADEC has shown purposeful leadership and integrity to bear and has transformed the commission into a results-oriented entity. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Continue next week
