Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Friday morning inaugurated the newly
constituted 14- member of the Governing Board of the restructured Delta State
Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) with a charge on them to
brace up in tackling the challenges of their new assignment.
He reminded them that their appointments are coming at a
critical time in the nation’s history with declining oil revenue that has
brought the plight of the oil producing communities into sharp focus. “I will
like to stress that it is no longer business as usual. The new DESOPADEC has no
room for incompetence, selfishness and greed. The situation calls for
discipline, sacrifice and prudent management of our resources for maximum
benefits to our people. This is the challenge that you face in your new
assignment,” Okowa said.
He admonished them to manage the affairs of the Commission
with great wisdom, tact and high sense of responsibility, and always involve host
communities in their decision making process to foster peace and development in
those communities. “I encourage you to use the bottom-up approach; the
communities should determine the projects they want in their areas. With this
peace will reign and development enhanced.
“I enjoin you to imbibe the principles of fairness, equity
and justice that are the watchword of this administration. This administration
will not hesitate to sanction any erring board member in accordance with the
provisions of the new law. It is of vital importance that members of the board
avail themselves of copies of the law, my inaugural address and my maiden
address to the House of Assembly to get acquainted with the policy direction of
this administration,” the governor said.
He also appealed to all stakeholders, especially youths,
indigenes and communities to co-operate with the new board by giving it a
chance to succeed. “Everything must be done to bring development to our people,”
Okowa said.
To drive home the point about why the new DESOPADEC Board
must exhibit discipline and prudence in managing the affairs of the commission,
the governor recalled that the inauguration is the climax to events leading to
the making of the new DESOPADEC Law, a fulfillment of his pledge to give
strength to the law by restructuring the board and management in line with the
Niger Delta development commission (NDDC) model through an Amendment Bill.
“Under the new structure, there is a Governing Board
comprising a chairman, managing director, four executive directors, and nine
representatives of oil producing areas in the state with at least two from each
senatorial district. Also listed in the board are one representative each from
the state Ministries of Finance and Economic Planning.
“The managing director and the executive directors are responsible
for running the day-to-day affairs of the commission, while the commissioners
are to draw up the project needs and environmental concerns of their
communities and present to the board for consideration,” Okowa charged.
He called their attention to the principle of continuous
improvement as a key driver of economic growth and social development, and
which is all about the continuously improving the systems and processes of
governance to optimize organizational performance and enhance service delivery.
“The new DESOPADEC structure provides for sound corporate governance in line
with international best practices. It is expected to put the commission on a
stronger footing to better meet the developmental needs of ethnic nationalities
in the oil producing areas,” Okowa said, declaring that the principle of
continuous improvement also necessitates change in thoughts and practices
leading to new organizational culture for sustainable development.
“It is, therefore, my
earnest expectation that the new structure will foster a culture of team work,
greater efficiency, and excellence in leadership. From today, I expect to see
greater efficiency and excellence in leadership. From today, I expect to see greater
transparency and accountability in the running of the affairs of the
commission,” he directed.
Members of the new board include:
·
Hon. Godwin Ebosa (Chairman);
·
Chief William Makinde (Managing Director);
·
Chief Askia Ogieh (Executive Director);
·
Hon. Chris Ochor Ochor (Executive Director);
·
Mr. Philip Gbasin (Executive Director);
·
Engr. Oritsetetimeyin Victor Wood);
·
Chief Amos Itiwhe (Representative of Oil
Producing Areas in the State);
·
Chief Pius Ovbije (Representative of oil
producing areas in the state);
·
Mr. Jonathan Amitaye (representative of oil
producing areas in the state);
·
Hon. Ovie Oghoore (representative of oil
producing areas in the state);
·
Chief Thomas Ereyitomi (representative of oil
producing areas in the state);
·
Mr. Nnamdi Ezechi (representative of oil
producing areas in the state);
·
Hon. Fidelis C. Oputa (representative of oil
producing areas in the state); and
·
Chief Favour Izuokumor (representative of oil
producing areas in the state).
The new Chairman of the
commission, Dr. Godwin Ebosa expressed gratitude to the governor for finding
them worthy of their appointments, and assured him that in the performance of
their duties they will be guided by the SMART agenda of the government the
governor’s resolve to provide prosperity for all Deltans
No comments:
Post a Comment