By ELOHOR FOGHOLA
The Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), yesterday held an emergency meeting to review the budget that has been approved for the year 2024.
The meeting, convened at the corporate headquarters of DESOPADEC in Warri, was chaired by the Chairman of the Board, Chief John Nani, who stated that the aim was to guarantee that the 2024 budget was implemented in accordance with the appropriation laws.
“Our objective is to ensure that no ethnic nationality exceeds the allocations specified in the budget. It would be illegal to present a budget that lacks adequate funding, as this could result in projects being left unfinished.
“This board strongly opposes any projects that remain abandoned,” he said.
“In addition, we request that the certificates for all completed projects, should be compiled and presented at the next Board meeting”.
Chief Nani disclosed that there would be harvest of projects to be commissioned from March.
On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonoghor, told newsmen that the focus of the meeting was primarily because of the 2024 budget, ensuring it’s in line with the MORE Agenda.
Chief Ochonogor disclosed that the state Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has addressed the matter concerning contractors who are owed by the former administration and has approved their payment.
“We thank the contractors for their perseverance. Those contractors who benefitted from the 2023 budget will have their projects inspected and paid.
He addressed the issue of staff promotion, stating that the eight-member committee, established by the Board is actively look into the irregularities associated with the previous promotion exercise and is committed to resolving these issues.
“The well-being of our employees is of utmost importance; however, we will not compromise on regulatory standards. We aim to prevent any situation in which employees promote themselves without following the proper procedures. Our goal is to maintain discipline while simultaneously support their welfare.
“We want to ensure that workers are not involved in any foul practise that will jeopardize the commission’s good objectives”, he added.
In response to the commission’s establishment of divisional and deputy heads of departments, Chief Ochonogor stated that, arrangements have been made to appoint Assistant Heads of Departments.
However, he emphasized that the commission will prioritize the completion of the promotion exercise before proceeding with this initiative.
