By Elohor Foghola /Elizabeth Oduje
UMUTU/Nigeria: In a continuation of the extensive inspection of projects executed by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), the Executive Director of Projects, Chief Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, has confirmed that the completed 8km Obi-Ayima Road and several other projects will soon be commissioned by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Chief Okorodudu made this known on Monday, March 17, 2025, during an inspection tour across Ika North East, Ika South, Ukwuani, and Ndokwa West, alongside the Member representing Ndokwa ethnic nationality on the Board, Surv. Azuka Enebeli.
Among the projects inspected were the ongoing construction, fencing, and furnishing of the Owa Civic Center in Owa-Oyibo, Ika North East; installation of solar-powered streetlights along Obi-Ayima Road and Owa-Alidinma; the ongoing construction of the Etua Etiti Police Station in Ndokwa West, which includes a four-unit bedsitter block and a two-bedroom detached bungalow.
Other key projects visited include the ongoing construction of 20 lock-up shops and a warehouse in Etua-Ukpo, Ndokwa West; renovation and expansion of Utagbo-Uno Comprehensive Healthcare Center with doctors’ quarters in Ndokwa West; construction of the Umutu Arcade Event Center with a secretariat; development of the Umutu Youth Center; installation of eight public toilets at Umutu Market; and the reconstruction of a seven-classroom block at Emeni Primary School.
The inspection tour commenced with a visit to the palace of the Obi of Owa, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Efeizormor III (JP), where Chief Okorodudu informed the monarch of the exercise.
“I am here with my team to extend my greetings to Your Majesty and seek your approval for this inspection. Your support and prayers over the years have contributed to my appointment, and I am grateful,” he stated.
The team then proceeded to the newly constructed ultra-modern civic center in Owa-Oyibu, where Dr. Okorodudu lauded DESOPADEC’s vision and execution.
“I commend the Board and management for this impressive initiative. The quality of work here speaks for itself, and those who conceived this project deserve recognition,” he said.
At Etua-Ukpo, Ndokwa West, Okorodudu hailed the innovative warehouse and lock-up shop project, emphasizing the need for more warehouses in local markets.
“This is a game-changer. Warehouses are essential for market growth, and I commend the representative, contractor, and community for their commitment,” he remarked.
During the visit to the Etua Etiti Police Station project, Okorodudu expressed his delight at the progress, describing it as “a fine concept.”
Similarly, at the Utagbo-Uno Comprehensive Healthcare Center, where DESOPADEC has constructed doctors’ quarters, he praised the quality of the facility, noting that even some general hospitals lack such infrastructure. Addressing concerns raised by the matron, Mrs. Gladys Enebeli, regarding the absence of lab equipment, he assured that a report would be submitted to DESOPADEC management for necessary action. He further emphasized the need for additional medical personnel and pledged to engage the Primary Healthcare Agency, the Commissioner for Health, and the NYSC to facilitate the deployment of doctors.
Okorodudu commended Governor Oborevwori for appointing competent individuals to the DESOPADEC Board, affirming that the Commission has been fulfilling its mandate.
“With what I have seen, DESOPADEC has lived up to expectations. The Governor deserves commendation for appointing people with the drive and vision to implement impactful projects,” he stated.
He also praised the ethnic representative for Ukwuani, Surv. Azuka Enebeli, for his dedication and selfless service, describing him as “a fine personality who has justified his appointment with futuristic ideas.” He further thanked the communities for their cooperation in ensuring smooth project execution.
Earlier, Obi Efeizormor commended Okorodudu for the visit, describing it as historic.
“This is the first time I’ve seen such a large delegation from DESOPADEC. This is true grassroots engagement,” he said.
The monarch also praised Governor Oborevwori for appointing Chief Okorodudu to the Board, highlighting the approval of a key road leading to the train station as a significant achievement. He urged leaders to ensure proper monitoring of projects to guarantee quality execution and long-term benefits for future generations.
During the inspection, Surv. Azuka Enebeli highlighted various projects within his mandate area, noting that they were selected based on the needs of the residents after consultations with community leaders.
“Governance is a continuous process, and I am committed to seeing through the completion of projects initiated by the previous DESOPADEC Board,” he said.
At the newly developed Umutu Arcade Event Center, Enebeli explained that the project was conceived to address the community’s need for a spacious event venue, as previous large gatherings were held at the market, which was inadequate. He further noted that the center is expected to generate revenue for the community and would likely operate on a franchise model to ensure proper management and sustainability.
Present during the inspection were the Vice Chairman of Ukwuani LGA, Mrs. Nkechi Echigbue, representing the Chairman, Barr. Promise Ajede; Engr. Tony Okuwe, Executive Assistant, Projects to the EDP; Engr. Friday Money, Head of Works Department; Engr. Elliott Olokor, Head of Projects Monitoring & Evaluation (PME); Mr. Festus Ifowodo, Head of Utilities Department; Arch. Oviese, representing the Housing Department; Engr. Evans Omene; and Engr. Mathew Onokpasa, Special Assistant to the EDP.
