…As NWCN Pays Courtesy Visit
BY ELOHOR FOGHOLA
The Chairman, Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief John Nani has stated that DESOPADEC plays a crucial role in the socio- economic development of the oil-bearing communities of Delta State.
Chief Nani stated this, Thursday, when Participants of the Naval Warfare Course 9 (NWC) of the Naval War College Nigeria (NWCN) Calabar, paid a courtesy visit to the Board of DESOPADEC in the corporate head office in Warri.
The Chairman explained that DESOPADEC is an interventionist agency established by the Delta State Government through an enabling law to address the agitations of patriots of the oil-bearing communities.
“When there is agitation, the government must look for ways to cushion it. If left unchecked it could grow to self-determination, and from self determination it could grow into revolution.”
“To address this agitation, the government, through the Commission has allocated 50% of the 13% oil derivation the Commission, to serve as a trustee to the funds.
“The mandate areas include six oil and gas producing and impacted ethnic nationalities: Itsekiri, Ijaw Urhobo, Isoko, Ndokwa and Ika. These stakeholders share the 50% of the 13% according to their quantum of production, Itsekiri 29%, Ijaws 27%, Urhobo 21%, Isoko 14%, Ndokwa 9%. A charge line id given to Ika nations. He said.
Chief Nani noted that representatives from these ethnic groups serve on the Board of DESOPADEC, and they actively consult with the people of the communities to address their needs.
He said, the Commission has played a significant role over the years in fostering sustainable socio-economic growth within oil-producing communities.
Key areas of focus, he said, include education, healthcare, water supply, transportation, land reclamation, shoreline protection, infrastructure such as roads and bridges, jetties, housing, agriculture, and the development of human capital.
He highlighted the recent achievements of the Commission, particularly in the training and empowerment of young people from the six ethnic nationalities in various trades, aimed at enhancing their skills through the DESOPADEC Skills Academy (DSA).
Secondly, he said, the Commission gives grants to women from the six mandate areas to boost their business adding that “when women are empowered, economies grow”.
DESOPADEC also collaborates with young people from the oil communities, working alongside the Nigerian security agency to safeguard our waterways and land pipelines, he added.
Chief Nani further disclosed that, the commission was currently engaged in a range of infrastructural development projects. These initiatives include the construction of roads equipped with drainage systems, the establishment of schools and healthcare centers, the development of jetties in riverine communities, housing projects, electrification efforts, water supply, and the desilting of flood-prone areas, among others.
Earlier in his remark, Commodore Chindo Usman Yahaya, representing the Commandant of Naval War College, Nigeria, said, “the College was established to train selected into the Nigerian Navy, equipping them with skills necessary for effective leadership and command at the operational level.
He said, each year, as part of its course curriculum, environment study tours are organised to selected states across the federation.
The tours, he said, are invaluable opportunity for participants to engage with local governance structures and understand security dynamics in the host state.
He revealed that, this year’s theme as “Maritime Security: A Panacea for Viable Socio-Economic Development” where participants are asked to research critical aspects of the socio-economic life that aligns with the theme, which they will present to the college.
“We believe that, understanding Maritime Security is essential not only for defence but for fostering economic growth in the coastal states like Delta, and DESOPADEC plays a vital role in this context.
The Commandant disclosed that, DESOPADEC as an institution was established to address developmental needs of the oil producing communities and ensure the people benefit from their natural resources, while promoting environmental sustainability.
“Therefore, we are here to gain insight into the initiatives and strategies employed by the Commission, in prompting socio-economic development, he added.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a plaque to the Chairman of DESOPADEC Board, Chief John Nani by Commodore Chindo Usmen Yahaya on behalf of the Participants.
Present during the visit was Chief Barr. John Nani, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Chief Oghenekome Okpobor, the Executive Director of Social Service Chief Favour Izuokumor, the Executive Director of Planning Research and Statistics Pastor Nicholas Efele. Also, the Member representing Okpe Sapele and Ethiope West in the Board, Chief Julius Egbedi as well as various Heads of Departments among others.
