Budget: We will commit 60 percent to project completion-DESOPADEC Commissioner

The Commissioner representing Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality in the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Hon. Griftson Omatsuli, has assured that the commission will commit 60 percent of Itsekiri budget to completion of projects across Itsekiri oil bearing communities.

Hon. Omatsuli gave the assurance in Warri, Monday October 14, during a Town-Hall meeting organized by Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality/Stakeholders.

The theme of the meeting was: “The Itsekiri Nation at a Developmental Crossroad: The way forward”.

While noting that the remaining 40 percent will be expended on new projects, Hon. Omatsuli assured that any contractor that completes his or her project, will be paid immediately.

The DESOPADEC Commissioner, promised Itsekiri students from oil producing areas that they will be given bursary, to boost their educational pursuit, noting that students studying Itsekiri Language in tertiary institutions will also be supported financially.

Hon. Omatsuli pointed out that Itsekiri youths will also be engaged on skill acquisition programmes.

A University Don, Prof. Lucky Akaruese, charged Hon. Omatsuli to invest more of Itsekiri DESOPADEC budget in education, saying in the 1920s, Itsekiris were ahead of other ethnic groups in Nigeria in various educational disciplines.

Prof. Akaruese who was the quest lecturer at the event, urged Itsekiris at the helm of affairs in DESOPADEC to sponsor students up to PhD level, in order to have more university dons of Itsekiri extraction.

From left: Dr. Augustine Uroye, Barr. Ada-Val Arenyeka, Bashorun Ogieh, Hon. Michael Diden, Chief Clement Maleghemi, Mr. Anuka & Hon. Griftson Omatsuli

Chairman of DESOPADEC, Hon. Michael Diden, assured that they will collate projects and other areas of need to Itsekiri Nation and present same to the commission’s board for implementation.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Bashorum Askia Ogieh, stressed that the commission will complete ongoing projects and award new ones.

Our Senior Correspondent reports that the Executive Director of Projects, DESOPADEC, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, President of Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC, Comrade Agbateyiniro Weyinmi, Dr. Ireyefoju, Chairman of Aja-Etan Community, Mr. Billy Ekele and Chairman of Ijala-Ikeren, Prince Adolphus were among Itsekiri leaders that attended the jaw-jaw programme.

A Cross Section of guests during the meeting. Left of front row is Mrs. Chineye Izonfade

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