Friday, 28 August 2015

Brace up for challenges ahead, Okowa orders new DESOPADEC Board


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 

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