DESOPADEC Projects Director Commends Journalists, Pledges Support For Peace Initiative
DESOPADEC Executive Director Recognises Media’s Democratic Role
THE Executive Director of Projects at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, has praised the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for its enduring contribution to democratic governance, accountability and public enlightenment.
Dr. Okorodudu made the remarks during a courtesy visit by members of the NUJ, DBS Warri Chapel, to the commission’s headquarters, where he described the media as an indispensable institution in promoting transparency and connecting government with the people.
Media Critical to Accountability and Public Trust
Addressing the visiting journalists, the DESOPADEC Projects Director said a vibrant and responsible media remains one of democracy’s strongest pillars because of its constitutional role in informing citizens and scrutinising public institutions.
He noted that the NUJ has consistently fulfilled its responsibility by disseminating credible information and ensuring that government activities remain within public scrutiny.
According to him, effective journalism strengthens democratic institutions by encouraging transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
“The media is the only institution naturally positioned to perform this responsibility. The NUJ, both in Delta State and across Nigeria, has continued to perform creditably by informing the public and bringing government activities closer to the people,” he said.
Recognition Seen as Motivation for Greater Service
Dr. Okorodudu described the visit by the journalists as a significant honour, saying the recognition would motivate him to intensify efforts toward delivering quality infrastructure and development projects across DESOPADEC mandate areas.
He stressed that public service requires dedication and responsiveness, adding that constructive engagement between public institutions and the media contributes to better governance outcomes.
Peace Programme Receives Endorsement
Responding to an invitation to deliver the keynote lecture at the NUJ DBS Warri Chapel’s International Day of Peace celebration scheduled for September 21, Dr. Okorodudu accepted the invitation.
He also welcomed plans for the annual Peace Walk but advised organisers to prioritise participants’ safety and adopt adequate measures to ensure a successful exercise.
On the chapel’s request for sponsorship of 1,000 branded T-shirts for the event, he directed the union to formally channel its request through the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, while assuring members of his personal support for the initiative.
NUJ Commends Development Efforts
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ DBS Warri Chapel, Comrade John Glover, said the visit was organised to acknowledge Dr. Okorodudu’s performance in office and formally invite him to serve as keynote speaker at the annual peace lecture.
Glover described the DESOPADEC Projects Director as a committed public servant whose developmental efforts had earned the admiration of journalists and stakeholders.
He explained that the chapel’s annual Peace Walk attracts more than 1,000 young people across Warri, promoting peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility and non-violence before culminating in a public lecture on peacebuilding.
The visit underscored the growing collaboration between the media and public institutions in promoting development, civic engagement and democratic accountability across Delta State.
