By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) on Wednesday played host to the Board and Management of the Kogi State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (KOSOPADEC), as the newly established agency embarked on a fact-finding tour of DESOPADEC’s Warri headquarters.
Welcoming the delegation, DESOPADEC Board Chairman, Chief John Obukowho Nani, said the visit underscored the Commission’s growing reputation, noting that its operational model has continued to attract national interest.
He thanked Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for directing KOSOPADEC to understudy DESOPADEC, saying: “You are all welcome to DESOPADEC. His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo asked you to come and understudy our mode of operation because we are doing well. Here in DESOPADEC, we are the trustees of the oil-producing areas… we are the flag-bearers of the Governor, keeping him informed of all activities.”
Chief Nani explained that DESOPADEC allocates its activities based on the quantum of production from the State’s six oil-producing ethnic nationalities — Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, Ndokwa and Ika — and operates a bottom-up budgeting process driven by town-hall priorities. He also outlined its NDDC-modelled structure and approval chain, as well as oversight roles played by the House Committee on DESOPADEC and the Appropriation Committee.
Managing Director/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor, expressed satisfaction that DESOPADEC had grown into a model for other States. He commended his management team and urged continued excellence, adding that the visitors should exchange contacts with the Directorates for more detailed interactions.
Earlier, KOSOPADEC Chairman, Suleiman Ndarayi Abdulahi, praised the warmth and openness of DESOPADEC, noting that Kogi’s oil-producing communities stand to benefit immensely from the engagement. “On behalf of the KOSOPADEC Board, I thank you for opening your doors for us. We have seen that DESOPADEC is performing well, and we aim to replicate that success for the people of Kogi State,” he said, explaining that KOSOPADEC, established on August 1, 2025, is eager to adopt DESOPADEC’s proven model.
The delegation later broke into groups for technical sessions led by DESOPADEC’s Executive Director of Projects, Olorogun Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu, and the Executive Director of Social Services, Chief Favour Izuokomor, who provided operational insights into their respective directorates.
A key highlight was the presentation of DESOPADEC magazines and compendiums to the visitors, followed by the KOSOPADEC team’s traditional offering of kola nuts and joint prayers.
Notable attendees included: Omoni Jackson James, MD, KOSOPADEC; Suleiman Hameed, Board Secretary; Engr. Usman Nda Mohammed, ED Social Services; Hon. Olori Deji Michael, ED Finance; Engr. Isah Yakubu Jetto, ED Projects; Rt. Hon. Prince M.O. Kolawole, ED Administration; Hon. Amafa Felix Eleojo JP, Commissioner Rep; Eniolonunde Samuel, Director, Finance & Administration; Mrs Cordelia Anyagwu, Ika Rep, DESOPADEC; Hon. Sonny Ofe, Itsekiri Rep; and various Heads of Departments.
