DESOPADEC projects transform Delta communities
An advocacy group, Delta Fresh Vision (DFV), has highlighted a series of development projects executed by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), stating that the interventions are delivering tangible benefits to communities across the state.
In a statement signed by Acting Chairman, Wilberforce Arinze; Secretary, Sunny Omamadia; and Public Relations Officer, Grace Akaighe, the group identified road infrastructure, education, healthcare, and community facilities as key areas in which DESOPADEC has made significant contributions.
*Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor.
Goddy Simon, Asaba
An advocacy group, Delta Fresh Vision (DFV), has highlighted a series of development projects executed by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), stating that the interventions are delivering tangible benefits to communities across the state.
In a statement signed by Acting Chairman, Wilberforce Arinze; Secretary, Sunny Omamadia; and Public Relations Officer, Grace Akaighe, the group identified road infrastructure, education, healthcare, and community facilities as key areas in which DESOPADEC has made significant contributions.
DFV cited the Obi-Anyima Road in Ika South and the Ofagbe-Ibrede Road among projects undertaken by the commission to improve connectivity, ease transportation, and open up beneficiary communities.
The group also drew attention to the construction of civic and community centres, describing them as vital infrastructure for social development and community activities.
In the education sector, DFV listed classroom blocks in Abalagada, Egbokodo-Itsekiri, Uzere, Ebedei, and Oghara, as well as the Ogulagha Modern School, among DESOPADEC’s interventions.
The group further noted the commission’s support for higher education infrastructure, including a students’ hostel at Delta State University, Oleh Campus, accommodation for visiting lecturers, and facilities for the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.
On healthcare, the organisation cited the Agoloma Cottage Hospital in Patani, saying such interventions underscored DESOPADEC’s mandate to address critical infrastructure and social needs in oil-producing communities.
According to DFV, the projects provide clear evidence of the commission’s development footprint and should form part of any objective assessment of its performance.
The group urged stakeholders to look beyond controversies surrounding DESOPADEC’s administration and pay closer attention to the quality of delivered projects and the extent to which they are improving residents’ lives.
“Accountability is important, but allegations should not be presented as evidence without proper verification,” the statement said.
DFV stressed that constructive scrutiny remained necessary, noting that DESOPADEC should be assessed on both its achievements and areas requiring improvement.
It added that the ultimate test of the commission’s relevance should be the extent to which its interventions translate into better living conditions, improved access to essential services, and greater opportunities for people in oil-producing communities.
The organisation also highlighted ongoing and completed infrastructure and human-capital development programmes of the Delta State Government, arguing that the broader development record of the state should be considered in governance assessments.
DFV said it was not opposed to criticism of DESOPADEC or the state government, but maintained that public criticism should be factual, properly verified, and presented constructively.
The group urged journalists, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to scrutinise DESOPADEC’s programmes, acknowledge areas of progress, and expose shortcomings requiring attention.
It emphasised that the central concern should remain the development of oil-producing communities and the real-world impact of government interventions on the people.
