DESOPADEC uncovers why projects are abandoned in Itsekiri Communities, to establish economic hubs

The Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, has revealed that the seeming disinterest of indigenes of Itsekiri Communities and the attitude of contractors, who received payment from the Commission without executing the jobs, are factors responsible for the abandonment of DESOPADEC projects in Itsekiri Communities.

Our Senior Roving Correspondent, reports that this much was disclosed in Warri, Delta State, Friday August 11, by the Executive Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in DESOPADEC, Hon. Nicholas Efele, during day-one of DESOPADEC Town Hall meeting for Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality and stakeholders.

Hon. Sunny Ofe, making his opening remarks. Left is Chief Billy Besigiwa

Whilst stating that their tour of Itsekiri communities, exposed how some of the contractors engaged by the Commission get enough payment, but do not complete their jobs, Hon. Efele, averred that the Hon. John Nani led Board of DESOPADEC, resolved to put measures in place that would put an end to abandonment of projects in Itsekiri communities.

“Each project in our areas (Itsekiri communities) will be supervised by the host community, if the project fails, it is because that community allowed it to fail.

From Left: Hon Joseph Oriboye, Hon Sunny Ofe, Chief Billy Besigiwa & Hon. Nicholas Efele

“Checks and balances, will be put in place to ensure that no contractor will collect money without executing the job.

“Every contractor must show capacity that they can do the job, before it will be awarded to them.

“We are going to create a system, where jobs given to any contractor, will be seen by stakeholders in the community and allow the community to report directly to the board members”, he explained.

The ED, Planning, Research and Statistics, added that DESOPADEC was exploring the creation of agricultural economic hubs in the rural communities, for the production of palm oil and rice in commercial quantity.

He said: “If we don’t develop our communities with the opportunity given to us through DESOPADEC, we may regret it, because we cannot guarantee the uncertainties surrounding crude oil as a natural resource in our area.”

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner representing Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in the Board of DESOPADEC, Hon. Sunny Ofe, assured that the Commission, was committed to engaging the communities, through economic and infrastructural development. 

Hon. Ofe, said the Commission will dedicate 40 percent of its budget estimate for Itsekiri Nation, for completion of ongoing projects and 60 percent for execution of new projects. 

Chairman of Ode-Itsekiri Community, Mr. Antony Odonghanro, asking question during the interactive session

He enjoined youths in Itsekiri communities, to stop the collection of development levies “deve” so as not to discourage contractors from executing projects in their communities. 

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) represented by Chief Billy Besigiwa, Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, who was represented by Secretary to Warri South Local Government, Mr. Joseph Oribioye as well as chairmen and secretaries of various Itsekiri communities, were present during the well-attended meeting.

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