Delta Fresh Vision Debunks Claims of Neglect, Hails DESOPADEC’s Impact

Delta Fresh Vision has reaffirmed that the Delta State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) remains a central pillar in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda, dismissing suggestions that the interventionist agency has been sidelined.

In a statement jointly signed by its Acting Chairman, Wilberforce Arinze, and Public Relations Officer, Grace Akaighe, the group described as “ill-informed and mischievous” claims that DESOPADEC had been de-prioritized in favour of broader state-wide development policies.

According to the group, DESOPADEC was established by law to drive socio-economic development in Delta State’s oil-bearing communities, ensuring fair representation across the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, Ndokwa, and Ika nationalities.

They emphasized that under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, DESOPADEC has remained fully aligned with the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda, delivering key projects across infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, security, environment, and human capital development.

Key Achievements

Infrastructure: Over 60 road and jetty projects completed across ethnic nationalities.

Healthcare: New health centres in Egbokodo, Ugbori, Ode-Itsekiri, and Orugbo; upgraded facilities at Koko General Hospital, Egberide, and Utagba-Uno.

Housing: More than 50 residential bungalows constructed in Oboghoro, Ajansan, Ogheye-Egboroke, Kokodiagbene, and Tuomo.

Education: Over 55 schools renovated or newly built, including Iwere College, Beach Secondary School, and Azama Zion Primary School, alongside new ICT facilities.

Utilities: Expanded electricity access, transformers for underserved communities, solar-powered streetlights, and improved water supply systems.

Environment & Security: Canalization, shore-wall construction, desilting to tackle flooding, and construction of police stations and residential quarters.

The statement further highlighted the impact of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy, which has empowered thousands of youths and women with vocational training, starter packs, seed grants, and equipment. Beneficiaries include young entrepreneurs who received ₦500,000 grants and women who received ₦100,000 each, along with laptops, tailoring machines, ovens, and generators.

Delta Fresh Vision also commended Governor Oborevwori for being the first Delta governor to extend the enhanced minimum wage to DESOPADEC staff an action they said has boosted morale and strengthened the institution.

Reaffirming confidence in DESOPADEC’s leadership, the group praised Managing Director, Chief Festus Ochonogor, and Chairman, John Nani, for their dedication in driving the Governor’s vision for oil-bearing communities.

It further recalled that the Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCOM) had earlier in 2025 passed a vote of confidence on the Commission’s management.

The group urged Deltans to disregard “false narratives” by critics, stressing that DESOPADEC remains firmly on course under Governor Oborevwori’s administration.