BY ELOHOR FOGHOLA
THE Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, has assured of the immediate implementation of the Commission’s budget as approved by the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Chief Ochonogor made this known while briefing the media after an extensive Board meeting at the Commission’s Headquarters in Warri.
He emphasized that the implementation of the budget would commence as soon as the strategies for project execution are worked out. “The Board meeting provided an ample opportunity for us to review our operational strategies with a view to achieving our objectives and rules of engagement. We are lucky to have our budget approved.
“This will enable us to start the process of implementation of projects as fast as possible as directed by the Governor, which will further help complement the MORE agenda of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,” he said.
Speaking further, Chief Ochonogor, on behalf of the Board, commended the efforts of the Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor for the thorough verification of DESOPADEC Skills Acquisition applicants, stating that most of the candidates met the specified requirements.
“The Exercise carried out by the EDSS gave us the opportunity to assess the beneficiaries. The next phase is to provide starter packs and conduct business training on entrepreneurship management before handing over the packs,” he said. On staff welfare, Chief Ochonogor said the Board discussed extensively on the welfare of Staff, with some persons directed to look into the amendments made on the new Staff Conditions of Service for speedy ratification and approval by the next Board meeting.
While reacting to the issue of the new national minimum wage, Chief Ochonogor said the Commission is ready to key into any decisions reached by the State Governor for the betterment of Delta State workers.
Adding that the Board was ready to work with every laid down process, especially that of the yearly promotion exercise, and as such, the 2024 promotion exercise which was put on hold to follow due procedures, would kick start with the setting up of a committee within the next few days.
Chief Ochonogor further informed the media crew of the Governor’s directive for the Commission to begin de-silting exercise on drainages and canals in her mandate areas to improve flood control to guard against the flash flooding being envisaged in the coming months.
Speaking on the commencement of new projects and commissioning of those verified, Chief Ochonogor said only projects that would give the Commission mileage would be executed and commissioned.
