DESOPADEC Assures Owevwe Communities Of Inclusive Development
Communities Present Development Demands
THE Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has reiterated its commitment to inclusive development following a formal engagement with leaders from Owevwe and six neighbouring communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
During a meeting held on 16 March 2026, at the commission’s headquarters in Warri, representatives of Owevwe, Saniko, Gana, Agbaide, Ughere, Otokutu and Opherin communities submitted a demand letter seeking equitable access to the 13 per cent oil derivation fund.
DESOPADEC Promises Dialogue and Action
Receiving the delegation, Executive Director (Projects), Ebenezer Okorodudu, assured the communities of the commission’s openness to dialogue.
He pledged that all concerns raised would be forwarded to DESOPADEC’s management and board for consideration, stressing the agency’s commitment to ensuring no community is left behind in its development agenda.
“The Commission is open to dialogue with every community to find amicable solutions,” Okorodudu said, adding that inclusiveness remains central to its operations.
Key Needs Highlighted
Speaking on behalf of the communities, legal counsel Roland Ufuoma Oyibo outlined critical development needs.
These include employment opportunities for indigenes, reconstruction of the Owevwe Road, construction of Owevwe Market, provision of a corps members’ lodge at Owevwe Secondary School, installation of solar street lights in Saniko, and drainage systems in Gana and other areas.
The demands reflect longstanding concerns over infrastructure deficits and limited economic opportunities in oil-producing communities.
Optimism for Continued Engagement
Community representatives expressed appreciation for the commission’s leadership and responsiveness, noting that sustained dialogue could foster meaningful development.
The visit concluded with the formal presentation of the demand letter by Community Development Committee Chairman Ibebe O Mathew.
Stakeholders said the engagement marks a step toward strengthening collaboration between DESOPADEC and host communities.
