By Elohor Foghola
In a move to promote grassroots development, the Executive Director, Projects, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, empowered 100 beneficiaries in Ughelli South with a total of N10 million.
The empowerment was announced during a town hall meeting held at the Ughelli South Local Government Secretariat in Otu-Jeremi on April 4, 2026.
The event brought together community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to discuss development initiatives and review activities of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Okorodudu said the engagement was designed to update residents on the commission’s activities while creating a platform for feedback and inclusive participation.
He explained that development is most effective when people actively participate in the process.
According to him, the commission remains committed to listening to the needs, priorities, and expectations of the communities it serves.
“This engagement allows us to interact directly with the people, understand their concerns, and incorporate their input into our planning and project execution,” he said.
Dr. Okorodudu noted that the programme went beyond infrastructure development to include empowerment aimed at building human capacity and supporting livelihoods.
He said the initiative was intended to create opportunities for self-reliance among youths, women, and entrepreneurs.
He added that the empowerment programme aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which focuses on meaningful development across Delta State.
The DESOPADEC director reiterated the commission’s commitment to delivering projects that positively impact lives and transform communities in oil-producing areas.
Dr. Okorodudu highlighted several projects executed in Ughelli South Local Government Area. These include the renovation of a three-classroom block at Ovwodokpokpo Primary School in Olomu community.
He also mentioned the rehabilitation of solar streetlights in Okpare, Ovwor, and Oviri Olomu communities.
Other projects include the construction and furnishing of a health centre to improve healthcare services for residents.
He further listed the construction of a concrete triple-cell box culvert along the Akperhe–Agbazo Olomu Road.
The commission also supplied and installed four electricity transformers in selected communities within Ughelli South.
In addition, solar-powered water schemes were provided in Otor-Ewu, Okpare Olomu, and Okwagbe communities.
Dr. Okorodudu stressed that sustainable development requires collective responsibility from both government and community members.
He urged residents to take ownership of projects and ensure proper maintenance of public facilities. He also encouraged communities to promote peace and unity to enable development efforts to thrive.
Dr. Okorodudu emphasised that stakeholder engagement remains essential for effective governance and development planning.
“You understand your challenges better than anyone else. Your insights are important in shaping solutions that will deliver lasting impact,” he added.
On the empowerment programme, he said the commission was investing in people as drivers of economic growth and community development.
He advised beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly to improve their businesses and livelihoods.
Dr. Okorodudu also urged residents of Ughelli South to continue supporting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to attract more development projects.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council, Hon. Lucky Avweromre, commended Dr. Okorodudu for bringing governance closer to the people.
He said the town hall meeting demonstrated transparency and accountability in governance.
According to him, such engagements give communities insight into ongoing development projects.
He added that the forum also provides residents opportunities to contribute meaningfully to development discussions.
The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dr. Richard Kofi, also praised DESOPADEC for initiating the town hall meeting.
He noted that the initiative would strengthen transparency and accountability in governance across the region.
Some beneficiaries of the empowerment programme expressed appreciation to Dr. Okorodudu for the financial support.
They described the assistance as timely and impactful for their businesses and livelihoods.
A trader, Mrs. Victoria Magbaja from Egboide community, said the assistance would help expand her business and improve her family’s standard of living.
“This support has come at the right time. It will help me grow my small business,” she said.
A youth beneficiary, Mr. French Eyakpogor from Otor-Edo community, also expressed gratitude to Dr. Okorodudu for the initiative.
“I am thankful for this empowerment. The money will support my business and help me become more self-reliant,” he said.
He added that the programme shows leaders care about the growth and wellbeing of their communities.
One of the highlights of the programme was the presentation of the Most Distinguished Man of Service Award to Mr. Jimmy Faka.
Dr. Okorodudu also presented a cash prize to him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development.
The event featured interactive sessions where participants shared their views, concerns, and expectations on community development.
The programme concluded with the empowerment segment and calls for continued stakeholder engagements.
