BY ELOHOR FOGHOLA /ELIZABETH ODUJE
In continuation of the extensive inspection of DESOPADEC projects across its mandate areas, the Executive Director of Projects on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC) Chief Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu has stated that the completed 8km Obi- Ayima Road and other completed projects will be commissioned soon by the Executive Governor of Delta State.
Chief Okorodudu disclosed this yesterday, when he and his team, accompanied by the Member representing Ndokwa ethnic nationality Surv. Azuka Enebeli visited Ika North East, Ika South, Ukwuani and Ndokwa West to inspect DESOPADEC projects.
Some of the projects inspected by the EDP and his team includes: Ongoing building, fencing, and furnishing of Owa Civic Center in Owa-Oyibo Ika North East. Installation of solar power street in Obi-Ayima Road and Owa- Alidinma.
Ongoing building, landscaping, street lights components, and perimeter fencing of Etua Etiti Police station with a block of 4 units of bedsitter and a two-bedroom detached bungalow.
Others are ongoing building of 20 lock-up shops and a warehouse in Etua Ukpo Ndokwa West LGA, Ongoing renovation and expansion of Utagbo-Uno Comprehensive Healthcare Center with doctors’ quarters in Ndokwa West.
Ongoing Construction of Umutu Arcade Event Center with Secretariat, Construction of Umutu Youth Center, 8 units of toilets to serve Umutu market and reconstruction of 7 classroom blocks in Emeni Primary School.
The inspection tour kicked off with a visit to the royal palace of the Obi of Owa, HRM Dr. E. O Efezimor III (JP), where the EDP informed him of the inspection exercise.
“I am here with my team to extend my greetings to your majesty and request your approval to move forward with the inspection. Your support and prayers over the years gave me this appointment and I am grateful, he said.
Next the team inspected the newly constructed ultra-modern civic center in Owa-Oyibu, Ika North LGA, where Dr. Okorodudu praised DESOPADEC for its vision and execution of the project.
“I commend the board and management of DESOPADEC for this wonderful concept. Anyone who sees this civic hall can tell it is well put together. Those who initiated and demanded this project deserve recognition,” he stated.
He also commended the innovative 20-lockup-shop-and-warehouse project in Etua-Ukpo, Ndokwa West LGA, saying “I commend the ingenuity of those who conceived this warehouse concept. We need to put warehouses in place in all our markets. This project is a game-changer, and I commend the representative, contractor, and community for their commitment and support.”
At Etua Etiti, Dr. Okorodudu praised the ongoing police station project in Ndokwa West LGA, describing it as a “fine concept”. “When we visited Aboh, we thought that was the only police station project, I’m surprised that we came here and what we are seeing is quite a fine concept,” Okorodudu said.
Meanwhile at Utagbo-Uno Comprehensive Healthcare Center, in Ukwani LGA where DESOPADEC constructed a two bedroom detached bungalow doctors’ quarters, Dr. Okorodudu lauded the exceptional nature of the project, noting that even some general hospitals do not have structures as large as the Health Center. He commended DESOPADEC for spearheading the initiative, from the construction to the fencing and overall infrastructure.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by the matron Mrs Gladys Enebeli, regarding the lack of lab equipment, he assured that a report would be submitted to the management to address the issue. He also emphasized the need for additional medical personnel and expressed his willingness to engage the Primary Healthcare Agency, the Commissioner for Health, and the NYSC to facilitate the deployment of doctors to the facility.
Dr. Okorodudu praised Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for appointing highly qualified individuals into the Board of DESOPADEC. He said, “with what I have seen so far, clearly, DESOPADEC has lived up to his bidding in fulfilment of the purpose for establishing the Commission. We must commend the Gov for appointing people who have the innovation and drive and can put their thoughts together in encapsulating their vision.
“I am proud of the representatives of all the ethnic nationalities. Their level of commitment to their job is exceptional, and their effectiveness in public service is undeniable. I must commend the Governor for his leadership; whose examples we are emulating. His active presence in project inspections is evident. As his products, we can’t do something less.”
The EDP also lauded the ethnic representative of Ukwani, surveyor Azuka Enebeli for his dedication and selflessness in prioritizing community development over personal interests, describing him as a “fine personality who has justified his appointment with his futuristic ideas”. He thanked the people of the various communities for their cooperation in ensuring smooth project execution.
Earlier, the Obi of Owa, HRM, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizormor (JP), commended Dr. Okorodudu for the visit saying “This is the first time I’ve seen such a large contingent from the DESOPADEC. This is the grassroot of DESOPADEC”
He also commended the Governor for appointing Chief Okorodudu as the Executive Director of Projects, in the Board of DESOPADEC as well as the development of the kingdom. He described the approval of a crucial road leading to the train station, as a significant achievement.
Reflecting on past leadership challenges, he urged current leaders to remain accountable, ensuring that projects are monitored and done effectively. “Every project must be executed well, as it benefits not only us but also future generations,” he added.
Dr. Azuka Enebeli, the Member representing Ndokwa ethnic nationality on the Board during the inspection exercise, pointed out several projects executed within his mandate to the EDP. Stating that these projects were selected in response to the areas of needs of the residents after due consultations with the president generals of the various communities in his mandate area.
“I understand that governance is a continuous journey, I am dedicated to seeing through the completion of projects initiated by the previous DESOPADEC board,” he stated.
At the newly established Umutu Arcade Event Centre, surveyor Azuka Enebeli disclosed that the facility was developed to address the community’s urgent demand for a more expansive event space. He noted that prior major events were held in the market, which proved insufficient for hosting large audiences. To resolve this issue, Enebeli took the initiative to offer a well-designed and spacious venue that can cater to a wide range of events.
In addition to its social advantages, the center is expected to contribute economically by generating revenue for the community. Surv. Enebeli also noted that the center will likely adopt a franchise model to ensure effective management, especially during its initial phase, thereby preventing mismanagement and enhancing its long-term sustainability.
Present during the inspection was the Vice Chairman of Ukwani local government area, Mrs Nkechi Echigbue who represented the Chiarman, Barr. Promise Ajede. Also present were Engr. Tony Okuwe, Executive Assistant, Projects to the EDP; Engr. Friday Money, Head of the Works Department; Engr. Elliott Olokor, Head of Projects Monitoring & Evaluation (PME); Mr. Festus Ifowodo, Head of the Utilities Department; Arch. Oviese, representing the Housing Department; Engr. Evans Omene; and Engr. Mathew Onokpasa, Special Assistant to the EDP.
