Kparobo Ehvwubare
The managing director, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Williams Makinde and his board members was inaugurated on 28th Sept., 2015. By December 8, 2015, they have clock the milestone of One hundred days in office.
All over the world, the first one hundred days has become landmark date for preliminary celebration of achievements and assessment. The first one hundred days celebration was began by former American President, Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933.
Political leaders are voted or appointed into office on platform based on programmes and promises made during campaigns and also during inauguration for appointees and that is normally the beginning of assessment.
Chief Williams Makinde was appointed after much ado, on the search for an administrator, who would manned the commission on the task to rebuilding the commission to reflect the yearnings and aspirations to which it was created by former James Ibori .
Upon successful inauguration of the new board headed by Chief Williams Makinde, he promised never to disappoint the people of the oil bearing communities and also vowed never to betray the trust reposed in him by the State governor, Sen. Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa, who find him worthy in the task to rebuild the commission.
Upon his assumption office, Chief Makinde had a meeting with his board members, the commission staff was also not an exception, Chief Makinde urged to them of maximum co-operation, just as he assured of all inclusiveness in the commission. The board members and the staff showered encomium on him for bridging the hitherto gap between the staff and board members.
He swung into action; he embarked on inspection of on-going projects executed by the previous board to have first hand information, which would guide him in award of projects. During his inspection to project sites, Chief Makinde took time listens to the plights of the oil bearing communities, where he assured of completion of on-going projects.
In order to execute effective jobs, the managing director, summoned all the commission contractors to a meeting held at Hotel Excel, Effurun. In the said meeting, Chief Makinde warned the contractors against shoddy projects aimed at frustrating his zeal to develop all oil bearing communities.
Mindful of the importance of the youths, Chief Makinde promise to engage the youths meaningfully, as the commission would prepare them against future challenges, especially as the price of oil falls by the day at the international markets.
In one of his interviews with newsmen, Chief Makinde disclosed the commission resolved to train youths on aviation related courses and award of scholarship to students up to doctorate degree, that would take over from the likes of Prof. Godini G. Darah, Prof. Sam Oyovwaire among others, whom had contributed immensely to the nation and the State in particular.
Without much ado, Chief Makinde is out to bring the long awaited development to oil bearing communities, as indications has shown that before the new board was inaugurated oil beraing communities is still moribund, despite the huge natural resources in their domain.
According to an anonymous staff of the commission stated that Chief Makinde headship of the commission was the first of its kind adjudged from its management-staff ratio.
The trained administrator called Chief Dr. Williams Makinde FCA has sot-spot for his people through tendering listening eyes, the accolades in such exhorted office has not made him to behave as bigots like others, he had never deviated from the mandate of the commission, as resounded to them by Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa during their inauguration.
This was because of his humble family background and upbringing, his vast knowledge and exposure had made him and assisted him in addressing critical issues as it relates to the commission and also to manage human resources.
The first one hundred days is normally for examination of every elected/appointed public office holders of his ability to deliver the mandate of that particular office and his/her intention geared towards fulfilling his/her promises; and I think Chief Williams Makinde with what he has in stock for oil bearing communities would no doubt deliver the mandate given to him geared towards complimenting the State government SMART agenda. It seems he has been licensed on the dictates of delivering.
Kparobo Ehvwubare is a journalist, public affairs analyst wrote from Oghara-Delta State. Could be contacted on +2347067546856, marksbare@gmail.com
