WARRI: The Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Indigenous Contractors Forum, Engr. Ogie Samson, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving and releasing ₦8.4 billion to the interventionist agency to offset inherited contract debts.
In a statement issued in Warri, Samson described the governor’s action as a clear demonstration of his commitment to fairness, transparency, and grassroots development in the oil-producing areas of Delta State.
According to him, the decision reflects Oborevwori’s reputation as a listening governor who has the interests of the people at heart.
Governor Oborevwori had last week approved the payment of ₦8.4 billion to DESOPADEC for the settlement of long-standing contract obligations dating from 2010 to 2023.
The intervention, government sources said, is aimed at restoring contractor confidence, revitalising rural development projects, and stimulating economic activities across the state’s oil-bearing communities.
Samson expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the forum, noting that the payment had been one of their long-standing appeals to the state government.
The leadership of DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum is grateful to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for listening to our cries over the years,” he said.
“The release of ₦8.4bn to clear our members’ debts shows that the governor truly understands our plight. We look forward to the swift implementation by the DESOPADEC management team.”
While commending the gesture, Samson appealed to the governor to further empower indigenous contractors by including them in future state projects and contract awards.
He explained that local contractors have contributed immensely to the infrastructural growth of Delta State and deserve more opportunities to participate in ongoing development programmes.
We appeal to the governor to incorporate our members into new contracts. Doing so will not only empower our people but also strengthen the governor’s efforts to deliver on his MORE Agenda,” Samson added.
The forum chairman also lauded the Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA), Chief Kome Okpobo, for his “excellent representation” of the governor and for maintaining a positive working relationship with the forum.
He extended similar commendations to the DESOPADEC Chairman, Chief John Nani, and the Managing Director, Chief Festus Ochonogho, for their efforts to ensure harmony and effective project delivery within the commission.
The EDFA, the MD, and the Board Chairman have all worked tirelessly to maintain a harmonious relationship between the forum and management.
We appreciate their commitment and call on the governor to provide more funding support to ease DESOPADEC’s operational burden, Samson stated.
Observers note that the timely release of funds marks another milestone in Governor Oborevwori’s drive to restore transparency, trust, and accountability in Delta’s development agencies.
The move, they added, not only rekindles hope among contractors but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable community development across the state’s oil-producing areas.
