Development: We Won’t Marginalize Any Ethnic Nationality –Ochonogor

By Elohor Foghola

The Managing Director/ CEO of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission DESPOADEC, Chief Festus Ochonoghor has assured all ethnic nationalities in the Commission of equal development.

He stated this on Monday, 11th March 2024, when Ndokwa Nation DESOPADEC Staff Association (NNDSA) held a grand welcome ceremony for their Ndokwa illustrious sons in the Board of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, MD DESOPADEC, Dr. Charles Olisa and Surv. Azuka Enebeli Commissioners representing Ndokwa Nationality at PTI Conference Center, Effurun, Delta State.

The DESOPADEC boss commended NNDSA for the honour given to them, saying “on behalf of the two commissioners, we appreciate this honour you have given us today, we also want to use the opportunity to thank the leadership of state for instituting the rotation power sharing principle, it is because of this rotational principle we have an Ndokwa indigene as MD.”

Chief Ochonoghor implored all staff irrespective of their ethnic nationality, to work harmoniously with management of the Commission to achieve their goals which is, development of mandate areas, adding “the existence of the different ethnic groups, should not be at cross purposes but for the success of the state

“We should have the consciousness that Delta State is united, stable and progressive by our activities, we are not going to marginalize any ethnic nationality in terms of development.”

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“The Commission has an operational methodology we met, and still use in operating, we will ensure all mandate areas are accessible and have equal distribution of resources,” he said.

He appealed to NNDSA to support the leadership of the Board for impactful development while promising to improve the welfare of staff in the commission.

“We will do our best to add value and make significant impact in the Commission, but we cannot do this in isolation. We need the support of the state, and for us to continue to enjoy the support of the state,

“We all have the responsibility as management and staff of DESOPADEC to do well and be exemplary in conduct, stay away from crisis and inciting comments. We must continue to educate ourselves, learn from each other and be committed to ensuring development gets to the oil bearing communities.”

Chief Ochonogor promised to look into the request of a bus by NNDSA while urging them not to hesitate to reach out to management where there is a need.

Earlier in his address, the caretaker chairman, of NNDSA, Barr. Humphrey Omede congratulated the MD and Commissioners of Ndokwa nation nationalities on the Board of DESOPADEC for their appointments, saying “It is not by chance that you were appointed into the board of DESOPADEC but by divine arrangement.”

He commended them for their excellent track record in their various fields of work, noting that they would bring in their expertise in running the affairs of the Commission.

Mr Omede appealed to the MD, to use his office to bring succor to the staff in terms of welfare especially in this time of economic downturn in the country, adding “ We acknowledge the fact that you recently had talks with DSOPADEC Union; we appeal to you to see that issues that were raised are addressed with utmost good faith and speedily too.”

He noted that Ndokwa Nation DESOPADEC Staff Association, is the only ethnic nationality without a bus, just as he appealed to the MD to look into their request for a bus.

Finally, Barr. Omede called on the Board to execute landmark projects in Ndokwa nation while pledging their loyalty and commitment as staff to carry out assigned responsibilities.

High point of the ceremony was presentation of an Award plaque to MD/ CEO DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonoghor, Dr Charles Olisa and Surv. Azuka Enebeli, members representing Ndokwa nation at the Board.