DESOPADEC Boss, Askia promises to deliver on agency’s mandate

By Ovasa Ogaga,

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogiehn has assured the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Deltans of the commitment of the board in delivering on its mandate.

Askia made this remark during Thanksgiving Service to mark his appointment as the MD/CEO of DESOPADEC at St Mathias Catholic Church, Uzere in Isoko South Local government area of Delta State, saying that his appointment is a call to service.

According to him; “Your Excellency, I appreciate that you let me into where the political paddle of Delta State is hidden and the Canoe has been sailing smoothly even in rough waters and you know, it is without regrets because for me, it is the right thing to do.

“To whom much is given, much is expected and I do not take lightly the huge confidence reposed on me and my team with our appointments. It is a call to duty, a call to build a Delta primed to equip our people with the wherewithal to become entrepreneurial and by creating a clement environment for them to achieve their potentials.

“I will not fail you, I will not fail our good people of Delta State and to our people in the oil producing communities, I pledge that under my watch, we will be engaging and liaising with you in decision making; in project execution, the desires and priorities of the communities will be paramount.

Speaking further, Bashorun said, “I am an apostle of “Politics is Local” as it is what you do at that level that enhances your status both at the state and federal levels.

“My political followers, especially of the Peoples Democratic Party stock across the Isoko Nation can attest to the fact of my modest sharing of my successes with them even at the immodest risk of saying so myself.

“I can take that risk, after all, no good politician should be quiet about even the little things he has done for his people.”

At the well attended Church service, the Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. John Afareha said, “thanksgiving and charity are good ways to appreciate God’s goodness. 

“To return gratitude to God is always difficult but, God loves a grateful heart; be thankful to God.”

Governor Okowa and his wife, Dame Edith, his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, former Governor James Ibori, among other dignitaries attended the thanksgiving service.