The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Festus Ochonogor, on Thursday received the leadership of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) on a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to sustained development and collaboration in Ndokwa communities.
The NNU delegation, led by its President General, Chief Amechi Asugwuni, said the visit formed part of efforts by the Union’s new leadership to strengthen engagement with key stakeholders of Ndokwa extraction and foster strategic partnerships for regional growth.
Speaking during the meeting, Ochonogor described the visit as timely, noting that it provided an avenue to familiarize with the new executives of the apex socio-cultural body and deepen ties between DESOPADEC and the Ndokwa nation.
He appreciated the Union for acknowledging the Commission’s interventions in infrastructure and human capital development across Ndokwa communities.
He said that such recognition serves as motivation to deliver more impactful projects.
“They have come to appreciate what the Commission has done and to encourage us to do more. Their support strengthens our resolve to improve the lives of our people,” he said.
Ochonogor emphasized that sustainable development in the region could only be achieved through unity, continuous engagement, and collaboration among stakeholders.
He assured that DESOPADEC would continue to align its projects with the needs of the people.
In his remarks, Asugwuni described the visit as a product of mutual respect and a deliberate step toward institutional collaboration.
Reiterating that the NNU remains the umbrella body representing Ndokwa interests.
He noted that the Union is committed to working closely with political office holders and relevant agencies to drive development, stressing that “engagement begets prosperity.”
While commending DESOPADEC for its contributions so far, the NNU President General highlighted the unique environmental and infrastructural challenges facing Ndokwa communities, particularly difficult terrain that increases the cost of projects.
“In some parts of Ndokwa, what it takes to construct five kilometers of road elsewhere may not achieve 500 meters due to terrain. Our communities are in urgent need of more development,” he said.
Asugwuni called for increased budgetary allocation to Ndokwa in DESOPADEC’s plans and urged the Commission’s leadership to advocate for greater government support to the area.
He also appealed to the Managing Director to leverage his position in ensuring that Ndokwa communities benefit more from ongoing state government projects and programmes.
The visit featured the presentation of a formal letter to the DESOPADEC boss, with several officials of the Commission and members of the Union in attendance.
