The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for establishing the Kogi State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (KOSOPADEC) on a strong footing, positioning it to accelerate development in the state.
The board and management of DESOPADEC also assured full partnership and collaboration with KOSOPADEC to facilitate its rapid growth and maturity.
The commendation came from DESOPADEC Chairman Chief John Obukowho Nani during a recent fact-finding visit by a KOSOPADEC delegation to DESOPADEC headquarters in Warri, Delta State.
Chief Obukowho expressed delight in collaborating with KOSOPADEC to build human capacity, share knowledge, and unlock potentials in both commissions. He noted that as Nigeria’s newest oil-producing state, Kogi requires nurturing to fulfil KOSOPADEC’s core mandate effectively.
He praised Governor Ododo’s commitment to the commission’s seamless takeoff, predicting that the calibre of its board and management would soon see it surpass peers.
During interactive sessions, Obukowho explained that no two development commissions share identical enabling laws, as each is tailored to state-specific needs. For DESOPADEC, the board comprises 13 eminent personalities, including the Chairman and Managing Director/CEO, supported by executive directors overseeing finance and administration, projects, social services, and planning, research, and statistics.
He detailed representation based on ethnic nationalities in oil-producing areas—Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw, Isoko, Ndokwa, and Ika—rather than local government councils. Allocations follow quantum of production, with a bottom-up budgeting approach prioritising community-identified needs through consultations.
Obukowho urged strict adherence to enabling laws, financial regulations, and gubernatorial approvals for expenditures above certain thresholds, emphasising that commissions remain integral to state governance. Staff recruitment and benefits, he added, prioritise oil-producing communities.
KOSOPADEC Chairman Alhaji Suleiman Ndalayi Abdullahi thanked DESOPADEC for the peer-learning opportunity, noting that the newly inaugurated commission—established August 1, 2025—seeks to adopt best practices for enhanced performance.
He commended DESOPADEC’s leadership, including Managing Director Festus Ochonogor, and pledged to apply lessons learned while prioritising ongoing synergy.
KOSOPADEC Managing Director James Omonu Jackson acknowledged Governor Ododo’s dedication to the commission’s growth and thanked Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the visit, affirming sustained interstate ties.
DESOPADEC Managing Director Festus Ochonogor urged continued engagement to foster strong partnerships.
The visit included sessions with department heads for in-depth operational insights. The KOSOPADEC entourage comprised the secretary, executive directors, directors of finance and administration, representatives from ministries of justice and finance, a technical advisor, and head of media.
