By Elohor Foghola
WARRI/Nigeria: Chief Festus Ochonogor, the Managing Director/CEO of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has pledged a stronger tie with the Delta Civil Society Groups.
He made this statement when he hosted a delegation from Delta State Civil Society groups at the Commission’s Headquarters in Warri, in a meeting aimed at fostering a closer alliance between DESOPADEC and Civil Society organizations, emphasizing their pivotal role in governance.
In welcoming the Civil Society Groups, Chief Ochonogor affirmed the commitment to fortify the existing relationship between DESOPADEC and Civil Society groups. He acknowledged the significance of their activities and pledged concerted efforts to reshape the narrative collaboratively, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the success of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
Chief Ochonogor encouraged the visiting delegates to propose innovative ideas that align with the M.O.R.E. (Making Ourselves Relevant to Everyone) Agenda in Delta State. He assured them that the doors of the Commission were always open for dialogue and collaboration.
Earlier in the meeting, Deacon Okezi Odingala, the Founding Coordinator of the Delta State Civil Society Community Initiative, congratulated Chief Ochonogor on his appointment. Odingala expressed confidence that the CEO’s leadership would propel DESOPADEC to new heights.
In his appeal, Deacon Odingala sought collaboration with DESOPADEC in waste management, urging the Commission to engage in public advocacy on converting waste into energy as a means of wealth creation. He also proposed diversifying DESOPADEC’s focus beyond oil to include areas like robotic engineering, clean energy, and renewable energy. These, he suggested, could be incorporated into the DESOPADEC Skills Academy (DSA).
Activist Rex Anighoro, the Leader of the delegation and Senior Special Assistant on Civil Engagement and Civil Societies to the Governor of Delta State, outlined potential areas of collaboration between DESOPADEC and Civil Society groups. These included partnerships in Artificial Intelligence (AI), staff capacity building, the establishment of an American Space Hub for young people, and the creation of a resource center for Civil Society in Delta.
The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism, highlighting the potential for a robust partnership between DESOPADEC and Delta State Civil Society groups in contributing to the overall development of the state.
