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Tag: DESOPADEC

  • DESOPADEC continues its drug free campaign to Effurun market (Photos)

    DESOPADEC continues its drug free campaign to Effurun market (Photos)

    The Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department (CDPE) of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, yesterday 30th August, 2025 as part of efforts to combat substance abuse and addiction among residents, traders and students, extended its anti-drug abuse campaign to the Effurun Market in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The campaign saw a large turnout of market traders and residents with the DESOPADEC team engaging the audience with informative presentations on the harmful effects of drug abuse on both individuals and the larger community.

    Speaking at the event, the Head of Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department, Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade emphasized the importance of prevention and education.

    “Drug abuse not only destroys the lives of those who partake in it but also affects families, communities and the State at large. We are here today to share vital information and resources to help prevent the spread of this menace,” she said.

    While appealing for continued community involvement in the fight against drug abuse and reminding parents of the role of the children, Mrs. Ezonfade said, “We cannot afford to be passive in this battle. Every one of us has a part to play. Our children are our pride and the future leaders of tomorrow. If they are destroyed by drugs, who will take over from today’s leaders?”

    The market environment with its high foot traffic, served as an ideal setting to spread the message, reaching individuals from different walks of life including young traders, shop owners, and customers. The awareness drive included distribution of pamphlets, posters, and other educational materials outlining the signs of drug abuse.

    Speaking, a Principal staff of the Department, Mr. Bobby Akuirema informed the gathering that the misuse of drugs has created many problems in our society, endangering the lives of young people and proffered solutions.

    “To address this issue, DESOPADEC, led by the Chairman, Olorogun John Obukowho Nani and the MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor in collaboration with His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has launched a campaign to save children already involved in drug abuse and to educate parents—many of whom are busy with their businesses in the market—on the importance of monitoring their children closely,” said Mr. Akuirema.

    Another staff, Mr. James Adjevabor explained that youths abuse drugs for different reasons such as lack of parental care, absence of love and friendship at home, peer pressure, and bullying and to address these problems, he advised parents to not only spend quality time with their children but to build trust and communicate openly with their children, amongst other reasons.

    Explaining the role of the community in curbing drug abuse further, he said, “When we work together as a community, we can make a significant impact on reducing the prevalence of substance abuse. Awareness campaigns like this are crucial in giving people the tools they need to avoid drugs and seek help when necessary.”

    The sensitization also included a Q & A session where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and get clarity on drug abuse issues. Several traders such as Madam Antonia Oghoro, Faustina Ndidi, Isaac Becky, Isiwa Nyama amongst several others shared their concerns about the impact of drug abuse on youths in the market, urging the urgent need for more outreach programs and expressing their gratitude to DESOPADEC for the timely initiative.

    DESOPADEC plans to extend the campaign to other markets across the State with the goal of reaching even more individuals and fostering a drug-free community.

  • DESOPADEC pushes on with desilting of canals, drainages in oil mandate areas with focus on Umutu(Photos)

    DESOPADEC pushes on with desilting of canals, drainages in oil mandate areas with focus on Umutu(Photos)

    *…as Member representing Ndokwa Nation, Youth Leaders Witness Exercise in Umutu.*

     

    The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC has intensified its ongoing de-silting of canals and flood drains across oil mandate areas, with Umutu community in Ukwuani Local Government Area being the latest beneficiary.

    The exercise which took place today and which is designed to mitigate the perennial menace of flooding in oil-bearing communities, attracted residents, youth leaders and stakeholders who came out to witness the deployment of heavy equipment for the clearing of blocked water channels in Umutu main gate to the Ethiope River through Mission Road, a distance of about 5km.

    Prominent among those on ground was the Member representing Ndokwa Nation on the DESOPADEC Board, Surveyor Azuka Enebeli who described the operation as part of the Commission’s deliberate efforts to safeguard lives, properties and livelihoods threatened by seasonal flooding.

    “This intervention is timely and necessary. As the rains intensify, we must ensure that communities such as Umutu are protected from flooding which has over the years, disrupted farming activities and endangered lives. The de-silting is a direct response to the cries of our people and DESOPADEC is determined to deliver on its mandate,” Surv. Enebeli stated.

    The Youth President of Umutu Community, Mr. Nweike Ocheli who joined Surv. Enebeli in supervising the work, expressed appreciation to DESOPADEC for prioritizing the needs of the community and noting that the desilting would bring immense relief to residents who in past years, suffered the devastating impact of waterlogging and flood disasters.

    “We thank DESOPADEC for listening to us and acting promptly. The clearing of these drains will not only check flooding but also boost economic activities as our farmlands and roads will be more secure,” the Youth leader remarked.

    Several community members who witnessed the exercise commended DESOPADEC’s management for what they termed a “people-oriented intervention,” stressing that the project would enhance environmental health and restore confidence in governance at the grassroots.

    The Umutu operation forms part of the wider de-silting campaign being undertaken by DESOPADEC simultaneously across its mandate areas, covering the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Ndokwa and Ika ethnic nationalities.

    Chatting with DESOPADEC NEWS also was Mr. Kingsley Iweka who as the SSA to the Governor on Peace Building & Conflict Resolution, is the Supervisor of the de-silting exercise in Umutu. He noted that the initiative further underscores the responsive and people-centered leadership of the DESOPADEC Chairman, Hon. John Nani and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chief F. M. Ochonogor whose administration has prioritized practical projects with direct impact on the well-being of oil-producing communities. Their focus on infrastructure renewal, environmental safety and community engagement has continued to strengthen by the Commission’s image as a credible driver of development in the Niger Delta.

  • DESOPADEC continues flood control intervention in mandate areas

    DESOPADEC continues flood control intervention in mandate areas

    The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment continued its flood control intervention measures in the mandate areas today Saturday August 16th, 2025 with a visit to Ovwian in Udu Local Government Area.

    The exercise which commenced at Udu road drainage covering both sides of the road from Udu bridge to the Expressway junction yesterday Friday August 15th, 2025 continued today with massive de-silting of both sides of the drainages with Pay loader and Tipper lorries evacuating sand and debris from site.

    The exercise which is part of the ongoing intervention by the Commission has attracted commendation from residents and shop owners in the community and environs.

    According to Mr. Jude Akpobome, a resident at Ovwian, the exercise was the first of its kind in many years.

    “This de-silting and evacuation of drainages is the first of its kind here in so many years. You can see that the drainages are totally silted. We thank God for the pro-active intervention by DESOPADEC. This is commendable,” he said.

    Speaking further, he said the major challenge being encountered is the issue of non compliance by residents and shop owners who indiscriminately dump refuse in drainages and calls on the Local Government Council to put measures in place to ensure compliance and discourage people from dumping refuse in the drainage system.

    “We are calling on the Local Government Council Authority to put measures in place to check the excesses of those dumping wastes in the drainages,” he added.

    Many respondents agree that the exercise was commendable noting that it will definitely ameliorate the plight of residents during this flood season in the community.

  • Jubilation galore as DESOPADEC doles out bursary awards to indigent students in its mandate areas

    Jubilation galore as DESOPADEC doles out bursary awards to indigent students in its mandate areas

    It has been celebration galore as indigent students from DESOPADEC mandate areas in tertiary institutions across the nation began to receive bursary awards from the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, under the pragmatic leadership of DESOPADEC Board Chairman, Chief John Nani and MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor.

    The Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor while speaking with DESOPADEC media crew stated that over the years, DESOPADEC has been in the vanguard of putting smiles on the faces of her people in the oil bearing communities spanning from women/youths empowerment, scholarship awards amongst others.

    This has been her core vision in line with the M.O.R.E agenda of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that investing in education is the best legacy that can be bequeathed to the youth as leaders of tomorrow.

    Chief Izoukumor also said that the process of the bursary awards was a painstaking one and that ample opportunity was given to all eligible candidates of our host communities to apply via an online platform after which selection was made and today, they are all celebrating and thanking Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his magnanimity.

    Similarly, the Head of Department, Social Services, Mr. Jude Elaye Asiobe stated that a total of Eight thousand students were benefiting from this year’s bursary awards with Urhobo having two thousand (2000) students; Itsekiri and Ijaw having one thousand five hundred (1500) students each while Ndokwa, Isoko and Ika nationalities got one thousand (1000) candidates each just as he applauded the Board for the timely disbursement of the bursary to the indigent students.

    Some students who benefited from the bursary largess, Miss Fega Obonobor and Miss Agbateyiniro Nina Bright thanked
    DESOPADEC for her concerted effort in bringing succour to students in her mandate areas, noting that it will go a long way in ameliorating their financial hiccups.

  • FLOOD CONTROL: DESOPADEC train lands Ashaka begins proactive measures(Photos)

    FLOOD CONTROL: DESOPADEC train lands Ashaka begins proactive measures(Photos)

    The Member representing the Ndokwa ethnic nationality on the Governing Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Dr. Charles Olisa on Monday August 11th, 2025 conducted an inspection of the ongoing de-silting of blocked drainage channels in Ashaka, Ndokwa East LGA.

    The exercise is part of DESOPADEC’s initiative to mitigate flooding in the area.

    During the inspection exercise, Dr. Olisa reiterated that de-silting exercise is ongoing in the whole State as part of the MORE agenda of Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State to ensure that Delta State is free from flooding.

    He said the Board, ably led by the Chairman of the Board, Olorogun John Nani and MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor is poised to address the yearnings of the people and has been proactive since its inception.

    The de-silting work is being carried out simultaneously at various locations, including Hospital Road, Ashaka Market Road and its environs.

    Residents, traders, and staff of Ashaka General Hospital are thrilled, anticipating minimized flooding incidents.

    The project aims to mitigate the impact of flooding, yielding positive implication including reduced risk of flooding and associated damage, improved drainage and sanitation, enhanced safety and health well-being and increased economic activities.

    This initiative aligns with the Delta State Government’s “MORE Agenda” under Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori and the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Initiative” led by President Bola Tinubu.

    A meat seller at the Ashaka market, Mrs. Augustina Ossai expressed her gratitude to the Board of DESOPADEC for the good work being carried out and pledged to ensure that the de-silted area close to her stall will be kept clean.

    The Ashaka Youth President, Comrade Ona Chukwudi thanked DESOPADEC’s Board for the massive work being done, stating that before now, flooding in Ashaka was very bad, but since the Commission started its yearly intervention, the water has been flowing to the river, and the people are happy.

    Mr. Oshogba Precious, the President of Environmental Health Workers in Delta State appealed to the Board to help them get waste bins to put in strategic places in the community to checkmate indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainages, stating that as environmental Officers, they shall carry out a sensitization awareness campaign to educate the people and that measures have been put in place to punish all defaulters.

    Dr. Charles Olisa was accompanied during the inspection exercise by Comrade Kingsley Iweka; Mr. Monday Akpe (Head of Environment Department, Ndokwa East LGA); Comrade Tom Onah (Youth President, Ashaka Community) and other dignitaries.

  • DESOPADEC on the match again, embarks on massive de-silting of canals, drainages in Sapele, Jesse(Photos)

    DESOPADEC on the match again, embarks on massive de-silting of canals, drainages in Sapele, Jesse(Photos)

    The ongoing intervention on de-silting of canals and blocked drainages aimed at proffering solutions to the perennial flooding in the Commissions mandate areas by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Delta State continued steadily yesterday, Friday August 1st, 2025 in Sapele and Jesse, Ethiope West and Sapele Local Government Areas.

    In Jesse Town, massive de-silting of blocked drainages and evacuation of sand and debris by pay loaders and tipper trucks took place at Ireke and Eruotor streets.

    The exercise which commenced in Jesse earlier this week was going on steadily at the time of this report with many residents commending the Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Board of DESOPADEC for the timely intervention aimed at mitigating the effects of the impending flood as envisaged by NIMET.

    Similarly, in Sapele Metropolis, a swamp buggy was seen in action, clearing the canal from new road by Awolowo to Akintola Junction, linking Ojolu canal.

    The canal which was blocked by massive wastes is being de-silted to pave way for free flow of water through the channel.

    Some residents in the area who commended the tenacity of DESOPADEC, pleaded that measures should be put in place to discourage people from dumping refuse in the canal.

    One of the residents, Mr. Ovie Ajuya said, “We are very grateful to the Government and the Board of DESOPADEC for this laudable work they are doing and we are equally calling on the Local Government Council to put machinery in place to discourage people from dumping refuse in the canal because the blockage is as a result of human activities as you can see a lot of waste and debris in the water channel.”

    Intervention work by the Commission is expected to commence in other communities in the mandate areas in the days ahead.

  • It’s turn of Ika Nation as DESOPADEC begins de-silting of drainages(Photos)

    It’s turn of Ika Nation as DESOPADEC begins de-silting of drainages(Photos)

    The Member representing Ika ethnic nationality on the Board of DESOPADEC, Hon. Cordelia Anyangwu, has declared that “DESOPADEC IS WORKING” as the Commission commenced the de-silting of drainages in Ika nation on July 30th, 2025 which aims to ensure the free flow of water and prevent flooding in the area.

    Hon. Anyangwu made the declaration while supervising the de-silting of drainages at Dein’s palace junction in Ika South Local Government Area, stating that DESOPADEC has made it a yearly practice to de-silt drainages and blocked culverts to prevent floodwater from destroying roads.

    The Rep. emphasized that the current administration under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has prioritized this project.

    The de-silting project covers several areas including Agbor-Obi in Ika South East; Owa-Ekei road in Ika North East and Abavo drain opening in Ika South.

    The team leader of the Commission’s excavation team, Comr. Iweka Kingsley assured that the project would be completed by the Weekend as specified by the Chairman of the Board, Olorogun John Nani and the Managing Director, Chief Festus Ochonogor.

    The people of Ika nation have expressed gratitude to DESOPADEC for the initiative. Favour Chukwuka, a shop owner at Olikeze junction, appreciated the DESOPADEC Board for the massive work being done while Comr. Igbenigun Clement, Secretary of the Agbor Youths, thanked Hon. Anyangwu for her efforts in ensuring that the drainages are cleared thoroughly.

    Hon. Anyangwu advised the people to desist from throwing debris into the drainages and announced plans to visit the Council Chairman to establish a taskforce to monitor and punish offenders.

    The DESOPADEC team also appealed to the community to take ownership of their environment and prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse. With this initiative, DESOPADEC is making significant strides in improving the lives of the people in Ika Nation.

  • Nani inspects ongoing disilting of canal in Warri by DESOPADEC

    …urges Local Government Councils to enforce compliance on illegal dumping of waste

     

    The Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Hon. John Obukokwho Nani has called on the Local Government Councils to enforce compliance on illegal dumping of refuse on water channels in the State.

    He made this call while addressing the media during an inspection tour of the ongoing de-silting work by DESOPADEC at Okere/Esisi road canal today Friday July 25, 2025 in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area.

    Nani said that it is the primary duty of the Local Government Councils to take charge of environmental matters and that DESOPADEC is only lending a helping hand as directed by His Excellency Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, saying that the Local Government Councils should as a matter of urgency, enforce compliance on the deliberate erection of structures and dumping of refuse in water channels.

    “My advice is that the people around this area should jealously guard this water way, devoid of deliberate dumping of waste inside because it is the waste that is blocking the water channels. We can see the massive refuse and debris been evacuated by the contractor.

    “I want to also use this opportunity to appeal to the Local Government Councils to intensify actions in any way possible to arrest the unwholesome activity of dumping waste inside canals,” he added.

    The supervisory Counselor, Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Femi Okorodidien however affirmed that the Council was in a process of evacuating the canal before the intervention by DESOPADEC, noting that several efforts had been made to reduce the deliberate act of environmental degradation in Warri South Local Government Area but for the actions of some people who always at the wee hours of the night, dump refuse in the canal.

    “A few weeks ago, the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Weyimi Agbatewenyimi, had approved the clearing and desilting of this canal before this intervention by DESOPADEC. We are very thankful to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Board of DESOPADEC for this proactive intervention,” he said.

    Also the HOD, Environmental Health Department, Warri South Local Government Area, Sanitarian Stella Nde commended DESOPADEC for the massive clearing and evacuation of the canal, saying that the Council has been doing its best to discourage people from dumping refuse in the canal but for the adamant ones. They have made arrests and prosecuted many offenders.

    Meanwhile, massive evacuation of waste and debris was ongoing as a pay loader and swamp buggy were busy desilting the waste from the canal.

    Below are photos from the ongoing exercise.

  • DESOPADEC begins desilting of water channels in Warri [PHOTOS]

    DESOPADEC begins desilting of water channels in Warri [PHOTOS]

    …as DESOPADEC boss, Ochonogor calls on residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    The Managing Director/CEO, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor has called on residents of Warri to desist from building and dumping refuse on water channels, stating that the activities of individuals and companies in dumping refuse on water channels has contributed largely to the blockage of water channels in Warri.

    He made the call today Thursday July 24th, 2025 in Warri while addressing the media at the commencement of the desilting of Okere road to Esisi road canals by DESOPADEC in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment.

    “The Commission has been at the forefront of desilting of canals and blocked drainages in our mandate areas for the past few years and with the prediction of NIMET this year on the impending flooding in various flood prone States in Nigeria including Delta State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has given us directives to intervene with a view to mitigating the impending flood,” he said.

    Speaking further, Chief Ochonogor said that the scope of the intervention will include several communities in the Commission’s mandate areas namely Warri, Ughelli, Agbor, Kwale, Osubi, Sapele, Ashaka, Aboh and others.

    “We are going to intervene in the flood prone areas in the mandate communities. We have flagged off today in Warri. We shall proceed to other places like Ozoro, Oleh, Kwale, Osubi, Jesse, Sapele amongst others,” he stated further.

    Also speaking, the Executive Director Projects, EDP, DESOPADEC, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu called on residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse and out right blockage of the water channels, stating that the human factors of deliberately building and dumping refuse on the water ways has contributed immensely to the perennial flooding in our communities.

    “I am appealing to our people to avoid this deliberate act. That the Governor has given us the go ahead to intervene notwithstanding, people should adhere strictly to environmental regulations by disposing their waste at the designated points and not on water channels or drainages,” he said.

    Dr. Okorodudu further called on various Local Government Councils to intensify measures to discourage residents from engaging in the act of environmental degradation and pollution.

    Some residents in Okere road who spoke with DESOPADEC Media commended and applauded His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Board of DESOPADEC for the proactive intervention, noting that the exercise will definitely ameliorate the plight of residents especially during the peak period of rain in September.

    Mrs. Jane Jacobs, a shop owner near the Okere road bridge said, “We are very happy for this intervention. We thank Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Board of DESOPADEC for this laudable job. We are sure now that we are not going to suffer the devastation we experienced last year. May God bless them.”

    Below are pictures from the exercise:

  • Okorodudu embarks on project inspection in DESOPADEC mandate areas, hails Oborevwori (Photos)

    Okorodudu embarks on project inspection in DESOPADEC mandate areas, hails Oborevwori (Photos)

    The Executive Director Projects, EDP, DESOPADEC, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu in Tuesday embarked on inspection of projects in DESOPADEC mandate Areas.

    Addressing DESOPADEC Media after the inspection, Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu hailed His Excellency, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his magnanimity and love for the infrastructural development of the oil producing communities of Delta State, saying that the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Governor has endeared him to commit resources into people oriented and impacted projects in the mandate areas.

    “The primary responsibility of Government is to maintain law and order but over the years, governments all over the world have embarked on developmental needs of the people.

    “You can see the Health Center at Obodo in Warri South Local Government Area where the project is targeted at improving the lives of the rural dwellers. We saw some few challenges which we will take up, discuss and improve upon,” he stated.

    The Matron at the Obodo Health center, Nurse Okpoko Violet thanked the Commission for the initiative and also appealed for staff quarters to be built to assist workers in rendering their services in the center.

    Dr. Okorodudu said the aim of the ongoing inspection is to ascertain the level of work done and to make sure that all projects are done in line with job specifications in anticipation of commissioning in a few months’ time.

    “The Ubeji Modern Market Lock up and open stores is a completed project that is well located. We hope that when the time comes for the allocation of the stores, the needful should be done so that the common man can benefit too because the project belongs to the people. The Sheriff Oborevwori led government is the government of the people, by the people and for the people,” he said.

    Speaking further, he said the College of Education Administration block project in Warri South is a star project of DESOPADEC which when completed, will go a long way in upgrading the infrastructure and solving the office accommodation needs of the institution.

    “The College of Education structure is quite amazing. It is a star project not just for the Commission but the State Government. It requires so much fund to be committed to it in the budget. I will convey to the Board the urgent need to complete the project,” he added.

    Also in Warri Club where fencing, drainage and swimming pool projects are ongoing, Dr. Okorodudu commended the contractor, the President and members of the club for keeping the institution’s dreams alive, adding that DESOPADEC’s intervention is to uplift the infrastructure of the institution for the benefit of Members of the club and the general public and to the Glory of God.

    “Warri club is an old institution, a pride of Delta State. It has been a popular club even before we were born. Established in 1924 and has since being sustained. I commend the leadership for reaching out to the Commission for this landmark project,” he enthused.

    Other projects inspected were the supply and installation of a unit of 500 kva transformer in Omadino community in Warri South Local Government Area.

    Those on the inspection team of the EDP, Included Engr. Tony Okuwe, Executive Assistant Projects; Mr. Festus Ifowodo, Head Utilities Department; Engr. Elliott Olokor, Head Projects Monitoring and Evaluation PME; Engr. Friday Money, Head Works Department; Engr. Evans Omene Technical Assistant, to EDP; Engr. Mathew Onokpasa SA to EDP; Dr. Fredrick Adu, Head Department of Medical and Safety Services, DESOPADEC amongst others.

    See photos below: