The Chairman of the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum, Engr. Ogie Samson, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the release of ₦8.4 billion to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) to settle inherited contract obligations.
In a statement issued, Samson described the move as evidence that Governor Oborevwori is a responsive leader who genuinely cares about the welfare of the people.
The governor’s approval last week covered long-standing contract liabilities spanning 2010 to 2023. The intervention is intended to restore contractor confidence, revitalize grassroots development, and boost economic activities in the state’s oil-producing communities.
Reacting to the development, Samson praised the governor for heeding the forum’s repeated appeals over the years for the settlement of outstanding payments.
“The leadership of the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum is deeply grateful to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for responding to our long-standing requests for the settlement of debts owed to our members. This gesture demonstrates that the governor listens to the concerns of his people,” Samson said.
He added, “His directive for the release of ₦8.4 billion to clear these obligations reflects a commitment to fairness and accountability. We look forward to the immediate implementation by DESOPADEC’s management.”
Engr. Ogie Samson, Chairman of the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum, urged Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to further support his members by including them in the state’s contract awarding process, highlighting their resilience and contributions to the state’s infrastructural development.
“We appeal to the Governor to extend this gesture by ensuring that members of the Indigenous Contractors Forum are considered for state contracts. This will allow us to play a greater role in driving the infrastructural growth of Delta State,” Samson said.
He also praised key officials for their collaborative efforts, commending Chief Oghenekome Okpobo, Executive Director of Finance and Administration, for his interpersonal skills and proactive engagement, as well as Chief John Nani, DESOPADEC Chairman, for his understanding and fatherly approach toward the forum. Samson emphasized that effective collaboration and the absence of conflict are essential for achieving the agency’s goals.
“I also appreciate the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chief Kome Okpobo, for his excellent representation of the Governor in fostering a positive relationship between DESOPADEC and the Indigenous Contractors Forum,” he added.
Samson further acknowledged the efforts of MD Chief Festus Ochornogho and the board chairman, Chief John Nani, in maintaining harmony between the forum and management. He concluded by calling on the governor to provide additional funding to ease the operational burden on DESOPADEC’s management team, ensuring the continued success of the agency.
Read also: Governor Oborevwori Approves ₦8.4 Billion for DESOPADEC to Clear Decade-Long Contract Debts
