NYERHOVWO OGHENETEJIRI

Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has a good working relationship and partnership with other public and private agencies in Nigeria in its quest to carry out its statutory functions to people of its mandate areas.

Hon. Ochor Chris Ochor.

This was disclosed by Hon. Ochor Chris Ochor, Executive Director, Social Services Development on the Board of DESOPADEC during an advocacy meeting between the Commission and members of the Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) and Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) in Warri.

Hon. Ochor said that the Commission collaborates and works with other agencies of government and private partnership such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) , Niger Delta Ministry, Ministry of Environment, Women Affairs Ministry among others, saying that they all have similar responsibilities to develop the Niger Delta region with a view to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of the people within the mandate areas.

Speaking further, he said that the level of synergy will go up once the State House of Assembly approves the 2016 budget of the Commission adding, “with availability of funds, there will be a more working relationship with sister agencies in Imo , Edo States and others that have Oil Producing Areas Development Commission. This current Board is out to live up to expectations as we are working hard to effectively carry out the statutory functions of the Commission.”

While commending the groups for carrying out a study and making recommendations for proper organisational management, Hon. Ochor  said that the present Board of the Commission has decided to be transparent by ensuring that its activities are always in public domain by constant update of the Commission’s website.

On issue of uncompleted projects, the Executive Director, Social Service further disclosed that the policy thrust of the Commission “is complete and commission projects. Sixty percent of 2016 budget will be allocated for the completion of ongoing projects and 40 percent to new projects, in addition to our “Bottom Up Approach” of the board members, where the needs of the people will be considered in siting and executing of any project. The Board has taken a decision that all ongoing projects will be continued, completed and commissioned.”

Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr Leo Atakpu has called for synergy between the Commission and advocacy groups and other similar bodies in the country saying that study has shown that there had been little or no synergy among agencies working to develop the Niger Delta Area before now.