By Elohor Foghola/ Elizabeth Oduji
The Executive Director of Projects in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu has described the Delta State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Prince Kelly Kalanama Penawou as a man loaded with ideas and an asset to his people, the state and Nigeria in general.
He stated this when Prince Kelly Penawou paid him a visit in his office at the DESOPADEC corporate office in Warri.
Dr. Okorodudu praised Prince Penawou for his contributions to the State where he served as the Chairman of Burutu local government and Special Adviser on three occasions. He further noted that Prince Penawou has distinguished himself as a strong supporter of the People Democratic Party, (PDP) over the years.
“I was privileged to work with him as my colleague more than 20 years ago when I served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, during which he was Chairman of Bomadi Local Government.
“He is someone I have so much regard for, though a prince from a renowned family in Akugbene kingdom in Bomadi LGA, his sense of humility, dedication, hard work, and respect for others sets him apart. My success as a commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs was due to individuals like him.
Chief Okorodudu also recalled their partnership during his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Pointer Newspapers, stating “My success is largely attributed to individuals like him. He, as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, ensured that he spoke with the local government chairmen to patronize The Pointer newspaper and he is still doing the same to date because of my person.
“Today, he has come to visit us in DESOPADEC, as someone who is also from an oil-producing community, we have much to partner with in fulfilment of our mandate. I hold him very dear to my heart and look forward to a more robust relationship between us. It is my prayer for him that God bless him with a long and fulfilling life”, he said.
In his response, Hon. Kelly Penawou expressed gratitude for the warm reception, stating that Okorodudu is a mentor who has greatly influenced his career.
“He is a hardworking man, who has always been a guide and an inspiration. His dedication to growth and excellence is evident in everything he does. I have no doubt that DESOPADEC, under his leadership, will achieve remarkable progress,” Penawou stated.
He further expressed his commitment to working with DESOPADEC to foster development in Delta State, offering prayers for Okorodudu’s continued success.
