BY ELOHOR FOGHOLA
THE Executive Director, Projects (EDP) of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu has reiterated the Commission’s readiness to engage oil-producing communities in constructive dialogue aimed at promoting development in Delta State
Dr. Okorodudu gave the assurance today, when he received leaders of Communities’ Development Committee (CDC) (Owevwe, Opherin, Gana, Otokutu, Agbaide, Saniko and Ughere) of Eriemu Oil Field, in Ughelli North LGA, at the corporate head office on behalf of the Chairman and Managing Director of the Board.
He commended the leaders of the seven communities for coming together to articulate their developmental needs, describing it as a positive step capable of attracting meaningful development to the area.
Okorodudu added that DESOPADEC is filled with leaders who are always open to dialogue with host communities and other stakeholders. “We must continue to pray for our leaders and for our land so that we can continue to receive the benefits due to us as oil-producing communities,” he added.
Responding to an appeal from the delegation for employment opportunities for qualified indigenes of the communities in DESOPADEC, the EDP noted that opportunities had previously been made available and encouraged interested persons to always take advantage of such openings whenever they arise.
The EDP further assured the delegation that their requests would be formally presented to the board for consideration, noting that the Commission remains committed to addressing the developmental needs of oil-producing communities.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the delegation, Barr. Roland Oyibo said the visit was to draw the attention of DESOPADEC to what he described as the need for fairness and equitable development in the Eriemu Oil Field communities. He explained that the communities had previously written to DESOPADEC requesting a share of development benefits from the Commission, particularly as beneficiaries of the 13 percent derivation meant for oil-producing communities.
According to him, the seven communities are significant contributors to oil and gas production, yet they have little or nothing to show the presence of DESOPADEC in their area.
Barr. Oyibo noted that despite the presence of numerous graduates across various professional fields in the communities, none had been employed by DESOPADEC.
He further stated that the communities had also not benefited from development projects from the Commission over the years.
He stated that the communities host major oil and gas infrastructure, including one of the largest manifolds in West Africa, with about 28 oil wells and 40 gas streams producing in commercial quantities.
He added that production capacity in the area is estimated at about 21,000 barrels per day, making the communities key contributors to the state’s oil output.
Barr.Oyibo therefore expressed concern that despite the level of production in the area, the communities have not enjoyed development benefits comparable to other oil-producing communities in Delta State where DESOPADEC projects are visible.
He appealed to the Commission to urgently address the situation by considering their requests, which were presented to the EDP.
Barr. Oyibo expressed hope that DESOPADEC would give the requests favorable consideration in line with its mandate of developing oil-producing communities across the state.
Some of the leaders present at the meeting include Ibebe Matthew, Eddy Ajanakpo, Patrick Akpodido, Simon Ovejotor, Abraham Umurohor Stanley Obenobe among others
From DESOPADEC, the HOD of Conflict, and Dispute Resolution Drafting Unit Mrs Ewomazino Duku, HOD of Works Mr Friday Money, HOD Housing MrOyimu Executive Assistant to EDP Engr Tony Okowe among others
