Okorodudu Reaffirms DESOPADEC’s Commitment to Development of Oil-Bearing Communities
BY ELOHOR FOGHOLA
WARRI/Nigeria: The Executive Director of Projects in the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, has reiterated the Commission’s dedication to addressing the challenges of underdevelopment in oil-producing communities.
Chief Okorodudu made this assurance during a meeting with a delegation from the Community Development Committee (CDC) of Eriemu Field, led by the President General of Owevwe Community, Mr. Philip Akpovwokoko, at DESOPADEC’s headquarters in Warri.
“Owevwe deserves development as an oil-producing community with a flow station,” Okorodudu remarked. “Eriemu Field is regarded as one of the richest oil installations in Africa. It is regrettable that the funds derived from these resources are utilized to support the country’s 774 local governments, leaving the host communities underdeveloped.”
Responding to the requests presented by the CDC, Chief Okorodudu assured the delegation that their demands would be given due consideration. He added, “One of the main reasons for the fight for derivation, which led to the creation of DESOPADEC, is to address the neglect and underdevelopment of oil-bearing communities.” He further solicited prayers for the Commission’s success in meeting their developmental needs.
Earlier, Mr. Onome Esakpaide, the Public Relations Officer of the CDC, commended Chief Okorodudu on his well-deserved appointment, noting that his experience and vision would positively impact the oil-producing communities. Esakpaide highlighted the strategic importance of the Owevwe community and its sister communities—Opherin, Gana, Otokutu, Saniko, Agbaide, and Ughere—as hosts to vital oil facilities, including flow stations, oil well heads, and the largest manifold in West Africa. Despite this, he lamented the lack of basic infrastructure, citing the deplorable state of the 11-kilometer Owevwe-to-Otokutu road as an example.
Presenting the community’s formal requests, Mr. Akpovwokoko outlined their pressing needs, which include the construction of an administrative block for Owevwe Secondary School, renovation of the Owevwe Community Health Centre, rehabilitation of Opherin Community Primary School, water projects across the seven communities, solar-powered street lights, and the provision of medical equipment for the Gana Community Health Centre.
He concluded with prayers for God’s guidance and blessings on Chief Okorodudu as he executes his duties in DESOPADEC.
