DESOPADEC Approves Bursary Disbursement, Vows Stricter Project Monitoring
By Elohor Foghola
WARRI/Nigeria: The Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), chaired by Olorogun John Nani, has approved the disbursement of bursaries to students across all its mandate areas as part of its 2025 proposals.
Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, disclosed this today while addressing journalists after a crucial board meeting at the commission’s corporate headquarters in Warri. He revealed that mechanisms, including the launch of a dedicated website and increased stakeholder engagement, have been put in place to facilitate a seamless disbursement process.
Chief Ochonogor also announced that enrollment for the sixth batch of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy would soon commence, following the success of the fifth batch. He emphasized the Board’s commitment to accelerating project execution in oil-producing communities, stressing that stringent monitoring measures would be implemented.
“We will intensify project inspections and ensure that contractors comply with approved specifications, designs, and standards,” he stated. “Monitoring these projects remains a top priority, as DESOPADEC is committed to infrastructure development in line with the MORE Agenda.”
On staff welfare, Ochonogor disclosed that the Board had resolved to re-evaluate the 2024 promotion exercise to address cases of eligible workers who were not promoted. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to improving employee welfare, citing the implementation of the new minimum wage, payment of leave allowances, and the provision of medical support for staff.
“This Board operates an open-door policy to promptly address workers’ concerns. We remain open to dialogue to resolve any disputes,” Ochonogor assured.
