Equal Development Assured for All Ethnic Nationalities in DESOPADEC, Says Managing Director
By Elohor Foghola
WARRI/Nigeria: In a grand welcome ceremony hosted by the Ndokwa Nation DESOPADEC Staff Association (NNDSA), the Managing Director/CEO of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Festus Ochonoghor, affirmed the commitment of the Commission to ensure equal development for all ethnic groups under its purview.
Speaking at the event held on Monday, March 11th, 2024, at the PTI Conference Center in Effurun, Delta State, Chief Ochonoghor, alongside Dr. Charles Olisa and Surv. Azuka Enebeli, Commissioners representing Ndokwa Nationality on the DESOPADEC Board, expressed gratitude for the warm reception. He attributed their appointments to the state’s rotational power-sharing principle, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration among staff from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
“We appreciate this honor you have given us today,” Chief Ochonoghor remarked. “We also want to use the opportunity to thank the leadership of the state for instituting the rotational power-sharing principle, which ensures equitable representation.”
Chief Ochonoghor urged all staff to work harmoniously towards the common goal of developing mandate areas, emphasizing the need for unity among different ethnic groups. “The existence of different ethnic groups should not be at cross purposes but for the success of the state,” he stated.
Highlighting the Commission’s operational methodology, Chief Ochonoghor reassured that all mandate areas would receive equal attention and resource distribution. He called on NNDSA to support the leadership of the Board for impactful development initiatives, promising to enhance staff welfare within the Commission.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by staff, especially during economic downturns, Chief Ochonoghor pledged to address their concerns promptly. He also promised to consider NNDSA’s request for a bus and encouraged open communication between staff and management.
Barr. Humphrey Omede, the caretaker chairman of NNDSA, commended the MD and Commissioners for their appointments, attributing them to divine arrangement. He urged Chief Ochonoghor to prioritize staff welfare and address issues raised during recent talks with the DSOPADEC Union.
Expressing the association’s loyalty and commitment, Barr. Omede called on the Board to undertake landmark projects in Ndokwa Nation. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of an Award plaque to Chief Festus Ochonoghor, Dr. Charles Olisa, and Surv. Azuka Enebeli in recognition of their service to Ndokwa Nation on the DESOPADEC Board.
