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Tag: DESOPADEC

  • BREAKING: DESOPADEC Director, Taleb Tebite dies in Lagos

    BREAKING: DESOPADEC Director, Taleb Tebite dies in Lagos

    Olorogun Taleb Tebite, the Executive Director of Projects at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Olorogun Tebite is a grassroots politician and a reputable businessman, who hailed from Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.

    Details surrounding the demise of Tebite, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly, are still sketchy at the time of filing this report.

    However, it has been confirmed that Tebite, a prominent Delta chief from Okpare-Olomu, died a few hours ago at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State.

     

    Details shortly…

  • CSO condemns call to scrap DESOPADEC

    CSO condemns call to scrap DESOPADEC

    The call to scrap the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for alleged poor performance has been condemned.

    Mr Okezi Odugala, the Executive Director of a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Eziodu Initiative for Sustainable Environmental Development, condemned the call on Friday while addressing newsmen in Asaba.

    He was reacting to a call made by Mr Kehinde Taiga, President of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, to scrap the commission for allegedly performing below expectation.

    Odugala described the commission as an interventionist agency that was established through the tireless efforts of many.

    He wondered why anybody could contemplate dismantling an agency that had delivered numerous infrastructural projects across the oil-bearing communities in the state.

    He, however, asked if the person representing Taiga’s ethnic group in the commission had not contributed to projects in the area.

    Odugala said that constructive criticism was better than casting aspersions on the commission and its officials.

    He advised critics to refrain from distracting the management team of the commission from the focus on delivering the ‘M.O.R.E. Agenda’ of the Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration to residents of Delta.

    He described the appointees on the board of DESOPADEC as highly cerebral persons with professional and positive communal track records.

    “They have achieved success stories in their public and private careers,” he said.

    Odugala lauded Chief John Nani, the commission’s chairman, as a humane servant leader and philanthropist with a credible pedigree, adding that his legacies should not be rubbished by “a neophyte”.

    He advised detractors to wait for their turn and not attempt to tarnish the reputation of esteemed leaders who had remained their compass.

    Odugala said people should be credible and constructive in their criticism.

    “CSOs should operate within the confines of the law, partnering for the sustainable development of the state,” he said.

    He also said that critics should suggest better ways and join hands with the management of the commission and other stakeholders to build a better future for the people of the state.

    ”I am calling on Comrade Kehinde Taiga to contribute his quota positively for the sustainable development of Delta State and not to cast aspersions nor carry out unfounded negative media trials of DESOPADEC and her management team.

    ”We need everyone onboard to passionately contribute to the peace, unity and prosperity of Delta.

    “The commission, as much as I know, is on the positive path of realising her mandate of intervening in the oil-bearing communities and needs our support always,” Odugala said.

    Taiga had recently alleged that all the projects showcased by DESOPADEC were shadow projects that did not add value to the lives of people in the communities they were meant to serve.

    He noted that there was no tangible project executed by the commission in most of the communities it was established to serve.

    He listed some recognised oil-producing areas that had no presence of DESOPADEC projects in them.

    Taiga expressed disappointment over the poor performance of the commission despite the billions of naira it received from the state government.

    He said the commission was not designed to run poor skills acquisition programmes but to build, develop and transform host communities across the state.

    “So, if the state government cannot scrap DESOPADEC in order to see effectiveness in the agency, it should be restructured.

    “All communities that are captured in the agency’s catchment areas should be grouped into clusters,” Taiga said.

  • Okowa replies Clark, says DESOPADEC got N208bn in 8yrs

    Okowa replies Clark, says DESOPADEC got N208bn in 8yrs

    Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on Friday said the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC) got a total of N208 billion in the eight years of his administration.

    Speaking on the “Morning Show” on Arise Television, the immediate past State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu said that the Okowa administration was fair in the distribution of projects across the three Senatorial Districts in the state.

    Aniagwu said that the interventionist agency got what was due it according to the law establishing it, adding that the Agency had annual budgets approved for them by the State House of Assembly.

    According to him, the Okowa administration worked hard to enthrone peace in the state especially in oil producing communities and the creeks of Delta by taking development to the oil producing communities.

    He said prior to the emergence of Okowa administration in 2015, Delta was 4th in oil production adding that Okowa administration took the state to number one in oil production because the communities were happy with the projects executed in their areas by the state government.

    “Let me put it on record that we recognise the contributions of the elder statesman to the development of our democracy in time past.

    “We also recognise his age because 96 years is not a joke and to that extent I didn’t come here to join issues with him neither do we have any cause to undermine the respect we have for him on account of the path he has chosen in recent time.

    “The issues he has canvassed are not original to him and because they are not original to him, in a number of areas he progressed in error.

    “Premium Trust Bank does not in any way belong to Okowa. In Delta State during the administration of Governor Okowa, the state operated three distinct accounts.

    “The FAAC Account which takes remittances from the Federation Account and other remittances is domiciled in Zenith Bank and its still there.

    “The second account is called the State and Local Government Joint Account which is the JAAC account and that account is with UBA and you know the owners of UBA.

    “The third account is the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account which is with Sterling Bank.

    “The Premium Trust Bank is owned by individuals who have had a very good stay in the banking industry.

    “To prove that the views canvassed by the elder statesman are not original to him, the name of the MD of Premium Trust Bank is Emefienem and he is not even from the same local government with Governor Okowa. The man is from Abavo in Ika South and Okowa is from Ika North-East they are not related in any way.

    “He also talked about Monday Okowa who has been in the banking industry for more than two decades.

    “He started from the old Oceanic Bank to Ecobank before proceeding to Zenith Bank where he rose to the level of branch manager in one of the biggest branches in Asaba and when this new bank came on stream he moved to Premium Trust Bank,”

    On the issue of 13 percent derivation, Aniagwu said the elder statesman was not correct when he claimed that former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike exposed the refunds to the oil producing states.

    According to him, Wike only made mention of it after Delta State Government under the leadership of Governor Okowa had written to the State House of Assembly to seek for discounted facility based on the said refunds.

    “The Federal Government agreed they were owing oil producing states but they were not in a position to refund the entire money at once and that they will pay instalmentally for a period of five years.

    “When we went to the State Assembly and we publicised it in line with our transparency principle. There was no time anybody reported in this country that Buhari doled out N200 billion to one state without publicising it.

    “In the case of Rivers, as soon as it was agreed that these funds need to be refunded, Rivers state without following laid down principles approached a commercial bank and discounted that the expected refund to the tune of 30 percent to the bank and the bank was able to give them the money.

    “For us we didn’t agree to follow that route, we said no, another administration is coming and we cannot discount all our money and we cannot just ignore the next administration.

    “When we approached the House of Assembly with the list of projects we intended to fund with the discount facility it was well publicised.

    The Ex-Commissioner said the Okowa administration grew the state’s internally generated revenue from N53bn in 2015 to N79bn in 2023.

    “We didn’t grow it by over taxing the people but by increasing the tax net as a result of the increasing ease of doing business in the state,” Aniagwu added.

  • Delta Assembly gets 2 additional Deputy Clerks

    Delta Assembly gets 2 additional Deputy Clerks

    The Delta State House of Assembly has appointed two additional Deputy Clerks to take the number of Deputy Clerks in the State House of Assembly to three.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the two new Deputy Clerks whose appointments were ratified during plenary on Tuesday are Mrs Isioma Nwabuokwu and Mr Silvester Olorogun.

    The Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori explained the upgrade of the number of officers at that cadre from one to three, was in line with the amended Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission law.

    Before Tuesday’s additional appointments, which was contained in a letter from the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission to the state legislature, Mr Otos Aghoghopia had been the only officer in that position in the Assembly.

    Mrs Nwabuokwu was until her new appointment, the Secretary to the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, while Mr Olorogun was the Director of Legislative.

    Also announced by the Speaker was the appointment of Mr Austin Uwasike as the new Secretary to the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission.

    The appointments were confirmed following a motion to that effect by the Majority Leader, Hon Ferguson Onwo and adopted.

    The Speaker congratulated the promoted staff and described the appointments as deserved.

    Recall the House had earlier during Tuesday’s plenary screened and confirmed the appointments of nominees into the Governing Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC).

    Those screened and had their nomination confirmed were Olorogun John Nani, to serve as chairman, Chief Festus  Ochonogor as Managing Director, Mr Efele Nicholas, Mr Favour Izoukomor, Hon. Taleb Tebite, and Mr Oghenekome Okpobor as Executive Directors.

    While Chief Julius Egbedi, Mr. Sylvester Ovbije, Mr. Goru Jonathan Oghenekaro, Mr. Azuka Enebeli, Dr. Charles Olisa, Mrs Cordilia Anyangwu, Mr Sunny Ofe. Mr Victor Egboh and Mr. Spencer Okpoye are members.

    After the screening of the nominees which was done in three batches, the Majority Leader, Hon Ferguson Onwo in a motion, moved for their confirmation, seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ochor Christopher Ochor and adopted.

    The House also received a report from its Ad- hoc Committee to investigate alleged financial irregularities and other related issues against the Chairman, Ndokwa East local government council, Chief Godday Nzete.

    The Chairman of the ad hoc committee and member representing Ika North East, Hon Anthony Elekeokwuri, said the committee carried out the assignment in line with relevant laws and procedures before its recommendations.

    The Committee resolved that the suspension be lifted and he be immediately reinstated.

    The House unanimously adopted the report of the committee.

    The Speaker, Rt Hon Oborevwori directed that the suspended Chairman should resume office as Chairman of the council with immediate effect.

  • PDP Chieftain dumps party for APC

    PDP Chieftain dumps party for APC

    Former Executive Secretary of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Andy Osawota, has dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathered that the political heavyweight has pitched tent with Deputy Senate President and Delta APC Governorship Candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    Credible sources in Osawota’s camp revealed that he was at the GRA Effurun residence of Senator Omo-Agege late Thursday to formally inform him of his decision.

    Others said to be in attendance to receive Osawota included Omo-Agege’s running mate, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi as well as Delta APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that sometime 2009, Osawota was accused of having carried out massive fraud at DESOPADEC.

    In a petition published by Saharareporters, he was accused of non remittance of 10% vat and withholding tax to Federal Inland Revenue Services (firs) deducted from contractors to the tune of 2 billion naira.

    See the petition below:

    Madam: MASSIVE FRAUD PERPETUATED BY CHIEF ANDY OSAWOTA (SECRETARY AND CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER TO THE DELTA STATE OIL PRODUCING DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (DESOPADEC) THROUGH NON REMITTANCE OF 10% VAT AND WITHHOLDING TAX TO FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICES (FIRS) DEDUCTED FROM CONTRACTORS TO THE TUNE OF 2 BILLION NATRA.

    We write to bring your notice and urgent action the massive fraud perpetuated by Chief Andy Osawota (Secretary Chief Accounting Officer to the Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission (DESOPADEC) through non remittance of 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) and withholding Tax to Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) deducted from Contractors to the tune of 2 Billion naira.

    The prompt and immediate commencement of investigation of Chief Andy Osawota will save Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) in particular and the Federal Government of Nigeria in general from the loss of huge revenue which ought to be paid to the Federal Government Account as deduction at source from contractors handling various capital projects with the Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission (DESOPADDC) but which said fund are been paid into Chief Andy Osawota’s private bank account through the Chief Accountant to the Commission.

    In the last 2 years that the Commission was inaugurated, Contractors are made to forfeit 10% of the total sum of their contract sum being deduction for VAT and Withholding Tax to the tune of 2 Billion naira but our investigation revealed that the Chief Accountant after deducting the 10% at source from the contract sum pays the money into private account of the Secretary to the commission on the direct instruction of chief Andy Osawota acting as a Chief Accounting Officer to the Commission. These taxes are collected on behalf of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) which ought to be remitted to FIRS but are now been paid into private account thereby defrauding the Federal Government of Nigeria fund that are meant for development of the country and in attaining the 7 points agenda of President Umar Musa Yar’adua.

    In line with this administration zero level tolerance for corruption and our organization avowed mission to stamp out corruption in all its ramification, we carried out an independent investigation and our finding were as follows:
    1. That when contracts are awarded by the DESOPADEC, 10% of the total contract sum is deducted by the commission as VAT and withholding Tax, this sum is deducted at source before contractors are issued with bank cheques.
    2. The deducted 10% rather than been remitted to FIRS is paid to the nominated private account by Chief Accountant on the firm instruction of Chief Andy Osawota exercising his powers as the Chief Accounting Officer.
    3. The total sum accruable to the FIRS as remittance is about 3 Billion naira but our investigation revealed that no such funds were remitted to the FIRS. The amount above mentioned represent 10% of the capital expenditure of the Commission budget approved by the Delta State House of Assembly.
    4. We have also perused the original copy of Code Conduct Asset Declaration Form duly filled by Chief Andy Osawota at the time he was appointed as secretary to the commission but the Code of Conduct Asset Declaration Forum does not include the following properties/vehicles acquired by Chief Andy Osawota, some of which are listed hereunder.
    i. Massive estates comprising of 10 bedroom duplex. 6 nos. 4 bedroom bungalows, 15 rooms guest quarters, 12 rooms boy quarters, 2,000 sitting capacity Hall, swimming pool and security post nearing completion at Orogum town Ughelli North local government Delta State at conservative value of N600,000,000.00 (Six Hundred Million Naira.)
    ii. A 6-bedroom Duplex with Boys quarter situate by Mechaval Hotel, off Refinery Road, Effurun, Delta State valued at N250,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira.)
    iii. A 6-Nos bungalow Estate bought from Chief Poge Otirikpe by Chief Andy Osawota now leased to DESOPADEC as Guest House valued at N300,000,000.00 (Three Hundred Million Naira.)
    iv. Various landed properties at Warri, Lagos and Abuja
    v. A fleet of SUVs, Sedan cars.
    vi. Purchase of 100 Hyundai Buses for United Mandate for Uduaghan founded and funded by Chief Andy Osawota.
    vii. Hefty bank accounts domiciled at Bank PHR, First Bank, Ecobank, Zenith and ETB Warri and Effurun Branches.
    viii. Offshore accounts in London and United States.

    We stand to declare that if the EFC does not act speedily by investigating these massive fraud in line with Mr. president zero tolerance for corruption, we shall have no option other than to initiate legal proceedings to compel the FIRS and EFCC to carryout their mandatory and statutory duties. It is also pertinent to note that Chief Andy Osawota asset declaration form is now been shrouded in secrecy by the code of conduct bureau in Asaba Delta State.

    It is therefore our prayer that the Commission invite Chief Andy Osawota for questioning in relation with the 10% AT and withholding taxes which he has failed to remit the FIRS and the source of his questionable wealth and acquisition valued at over 1 Billion naira within a space of two years as Secretary Chief Accounting Officer to the Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

    We await your immediate and positive action in this regard.

    Yours in service,

    ……………………………. ………………………………
    Chief Mathhew Emitimi Comrade Kingsley Ohwobeno
    Chairman Secretary

    Cc: The Executive Chairman
    Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS)

    Abuja.

     

  • Delta assembly confirms Okowa’s 4 commissioner nominees

    Delta assembly confirms Okowa’s 4 commissioner nominees

    The Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of four commissioner nominees submitted by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa as members of the State Executive Council.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by the Majority Leader of the house, Chief Ferguson Onwo during plenary in Asaba.

    Okowa had on June 28 forwarded the list of nominees to the house for confirmation.

    The nominees were Mr Samuel Mariere, Dr Sunday Onoriode, Chief Mike Okah and Chief Godspower Asiuwhu.

    The Speaker, Chief Sherriff Oborevwori who presided over the sitting, said that one of the nominees, Mariere was a former lawmaker in the house.

    Mariere represented Ughelli North I Constituency between 2011 and 2019 to remain a good ambassador of the legislature.

    Oborevwori directed that Mariere should enjoy the special privileges usually granted to non sitting members of the House to take a bow in recognition of his outstanding performance as a two-term lawmaker in the house.

    He also granted Onoriode the special privilege, having served the party meritoriously as the State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Organising Secretary.

    The other two nominees,  Okah and  Asiuwhu also enjoyed the privilege as directed by the Speaker.

    Consequently, the majority leader moved a motion for the confirmation of the nominees.

    The motion which was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers when put to a voice vote by the speaker, was seconded by the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Oboro Preyor.

    Also at Tuesday plenary, the House confirmed the appointment of Dr Samuel Ossai as a member of the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

    The house also confirmed the appointment of Mr Kelly Imoghenewe as a member of the board of Delta State Internal Revenue Service.

    Also at plenary, the House took the second reading of the Delta State Administrative Procedures Bill with the Majority Leader, Ferguson Onwo leading debates on the merits of the bill.

    The Majority Leader described the bill as apt and harmless as it would promote transparency, good governance and advance the fortunes of the state.

    Onwo who commended Okowa for forwarding the bill which sought to open up administrative procedures in the state, emphasised that the law will deepen democratic process in the state.

    Also speaking in favour of the bill, Mr  Reuben Izeze, representing Ughelli South constituency, said that the bill would bring good governance to the door steps of the people.

    Izeze who also commended the governor for his foresight for sending the bill to the House, said modern democracy was being introduced in state.

    The Chip Whip of the house, Mrs Pat Ajudua said that the bill would promote transparency, accountability, efficiency, order and rule of law in the state.

    Also, the Deputy Chip Whip, Mr Solomon Ighrakpata said that the bill would help to address certain hiccups in the smooth running of government ministries, agencies and departments, MDAs) which were key organs of government.

    Consequently, the bill was referred to the House Joiint Committee on Rules and Business and Special Bills  for scrutiny by the Speaker.

  • Okowa names 4 commissioner nominees

    Okowa names 4 commissioner nominees

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, on Tuesday, forwarded the names of four commissioner nominees to the state House of Assembly for possible screening and confirmation.

    The names were contained in a letter to the Assembly which was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori.

    The nominees are, Mr Samuel Mariere, Mr Sunda Onoriode, Chief Mike Okah and Chief Godspower Asiuwhu.

    During the sitting, the House also received two separate letters of nomination into the State Board of Internal Revenue and Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

    According to the letters, Mr Kelly Oghenekevwe was nominated as Executive Director, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue while Dr Samuel Ossai was nominated into the board of DESOPADEC.

    Speaking on the governor’s letters, the Majority Leader, Chief Ferguson Onwo, moved separate motions praying the Assembly to receive the letters.

    In a unanimous vote, the house accepted the letters as working documents before it.

    Speaking later, the Speaker directed the nominees to submit 35 copies of their curriculum vitae and photo copies of their credentials to the Clerk of the House.

    He said that the documents must be submitted before July 4.

    Oborevwori further said the nominees would be screened by the Assembly on July 5.

  • Isoko Rep Race: How alleged hired political thugs attacked Ex-MD Of DESOPADEC, Askia

    Isoko Rep Race: How alleged hired political thugs attacked Ex-MD Of DESOPADEC, Askia

    More facts have emerged on how immediate past Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and frontline House of Representatives aspirant for Isoko Federal Constituency, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, was attacked by political thugs during a consultative visit to PDP delegates in Isoko North, Delta State, have been revealed.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) gathered that the attack was hatched by some unnamed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders particularly from Isoko North of reportedly masterminding the attack against Bashorun Askia and members of entourage.

    Askia and his campaign entourage were on Tuesday attacked after paying a consultative visit to the leadership of Isoko North PDP and delegates ahead of the forthcoming primaries of the party to choose the flagbearer of the PDP for the 2023 general election.

    The attack which took place at Otor-Igho in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State left no fewer than two mobile policemen attached to the politician injured.

    Some vehicles in campaign convoy were also damaged by the hoodlums during the incident.

    Speaking on the incident, a leader of the party in Isoko Nation told our correspondent that the attack was aimed at intimidating the House of Representatives aspirant whose opponent is an ally and being sponsored by sponsors of the attack.

    According to the source, a top PDP exco arranged two sets of thugs. One, to disrupt Askia while addressing the delegates and party officials. While the other group of thugs was stationed at the Otor-Igho Primary School to attack Askia’s convoy on their way out of the community.”
    One of the damaged vehicles during the attack on Bashorun Askia

    Another revelation claimed that, “In addition to this, the LGA PDP chairman after the presentation of Bashorun Askia, in what could be seen as partisan preconceived response, went on countering whatever Bashorun had presented.

    “He cut short persons who were in support of Bashorun in their speeches, claiming he was expecting others who were coming after Bashorun visit. A total disregard for his visitor and very unfriendly in his response.”

    Reacting to the attack, the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, denied his involvement in the attack against Ogieh by political thugs in his compound.

    He said, “I was very angry, I learnt it was some boys from Emevor, Owhelogbo and Ozoro that were stoning him because they said he didn’t give them money.”

    The glowing performances in terms of employment and development of Isoko nation, including the rising profile of Bashorun Askia Ogieh, according to sources had sent jitters into the camps of Jonathan Ukodhiko who is also said to be aspiring for the Isoko federal constituency in the 2023 general elections.

    “The only option left for Ukodhiko due to his unacceptability is to create trouble everywhere. I will boldly say that this is not the way to go in responsible politics”, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain from Isoko South said.

  • Agbon monarch lauds Bashorun Askia on DESOPADEC quality services

    Agbon monarch lauds Bashorun Askia on DESOPADEC quality services

    His Royal Majesty, Ogurimerime Ukori I, Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, has lauded the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, for effectively using the Commission to deliver people-oriented quality projects and services in oil bearing communities of the state.

    The Royal father gave the commendation when Bashorun Askia and management team of the Commission paid him a courtesy call in his palace at Isiokolo, before proceeding to commission two blocks of eight classrooms at Ibruvwe Primary School, constructed by DESOPADEC, at Samagidi, Ethiope East Local Government Area, at the weekend.

    He explained that since the inauguration of DESOPADEC in February, 2007 by Chief James Onanefe Ibori’s administration, the Commission, now led by Bashorun Askia Ogieh, has metamorphosed into a responsive and result-oriented establishment, executing projects that touch the lives of the people in the oil producing communities of Delta state.

    “Another important point I want to make with DESOPADEC is that I am one of those who stood by Chief James Onanefe Ibori to set up DESOPADEC in February 2007. That shows how close I was to the pioneering stage of DESOPADEC, and I am happy that what we put together in 2007 has metamorphosed into a very great and commendable establishment, for the uplifting of the lives of our people, the oil producing communities of Delta state”, he emphasized.

    The Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, further commended the weekly television programme, tagged DESOPADEC’s Giant Strides in developing the oil producing areas of Delta State, to showcase the significant contributions of DESOPADEC to the building of a Stronger Delta under the good governance of His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

    The weekly television programme, DESOPADEC WEEKLY, is shown every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday on AIT, NTA Asaba and DRTV Warri at 9.00am, 6.30pm and 6.00pm respectively.

    According to the traditional ruler, “Those of us who are confined to the four walls of our rooms on daily basis, who do not go out from our rooms as traditional rulers, every Tuesday we always take time off to watch the activities of DESOPADEC and its always a story of successes, stories of achievements, stories of progress and stories of happiness for the people of the oil producing communities. And it is not unconnected with the seriousness with which the Managing Director is handling his position.”

    He said that since Bashorun Askia took over as Managing Director of DESOPADEC, quality of projects executed has improved greatly, the citing of projects have been and fair while the scope benefits by the communities has increased through the employment of their youths.
    The monarch said it is clear Askia has brought his sterling personality to bear in the Commission’s effective service delivery in both human and infrastructural development, adding that the executive directors and commissioners have also aided in the series of successes recorded by the Commission.

    “When Bashorun took over, and since he took over the sky has been the limit of his performance. He is always there at the commissioning, he will never delegate people, he will never sway round the civil chairs in his office, he is always in the sun and in the rain, both at inspection of projects and at commissioning of the several projects, so kudos to Bashorun Askia Ogieh. If we talk about the MD success or successes it is also not unconnected with the serious and astute support being given to him by the executive directors and commissioners.”

    He however appealed to the Commission to sustain the good works they have been doing in the mandate oil and gas producing communities in the state and called on them to execute more projects in his kingdom.

    “With the commissioning of two blocks of eight classrooms for our pupils, after this I hope you will come again to commission more projects, apart from that also to commission something in the palace,” the Monarch said.

  • Bashorun Askia hails Amaju Pinnck, tasks him on grassroots football

    Bashorun Askia hails Amaju Pinnck, tasks him on grassroots football

    Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, has congratulated Mr. Amaju Pinnick on his election into the FIFA Executive Council, the highest decision making organ of the international football body.

    In a statement released in Warri on Monday, the DESOPADEC boss urged the NFF President to use his new position at FIFA to help promote and develop Nigerian football, especially grassroots football.

    “While I celebrate and applaud you on your well deserved victory, I wish to quickly urge you to use this elevated position to promote our grassroots football, understandably so, since you are one of our grassroots exports to the world,” Bashorun Askia said, adding, “at DESOPADEC, we are open to all collaborative efforts to promote and enhance grassroots football in our mandate communities.”

    “I am confident that you will do Nigeria, nay, Delta State proud at the world football body as you have astutely performed creditably well as NFF President,” Bashorun Askia said.

    He said Pinnick’s election into FIFA council offers an opportunity to reposition Nigeria’s football and return it to its glory days.

    Bashorun Askia noted that club football in the country is facing huge challenges as no Nigerian club has won any continental trophy for more than 15 years.

    As a member of the inner circle of global football administration, Bashorun Askia urged Pinnick to network among other sports administrators to improve the quality of management of clubs and attract sponsorship.