Ochonogor Hosts Ndokwa Neku Union, Reaffirms DESOPADEC’s Commitment to Development Partnership

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Festus Ochonogor, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening development efforts and strengthening collaboration across Ndokwa communities.

He gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) to the Commission’s headquarters.

The delegation, led by the President-General of the Union, Chief Amechi Asugwuni, said the visit was part of efforts by the new executive of the socio-cultural body to reinforce engagement with key stakeholders of Ndokwa origin and promote coordinated development initiatives.

Ochonogor described the visit as timely and significant, noting that it provided an opportunity to formally interact with the new leadership of the Union and further strengthen institutional ties between DESOPADEC and the Ndokwa people.

He also expressed appreciation for the Union’s recognition of ongoing interventions in infrastructure and human capital development across Ndokwa communities, adding that such encouragement would further motivate the Commission to intensify its efforts.

According to him, sustainable development in oil-producing areas can only be achieved through unity of purpose, continuous dialogue, and effective collaboration among stakeholders. He assured that DESOPADEC would continue to align its projects with the needs and priorities of the people.

On his part, Asugwuni said the visit was driven by mutual respect and the desire to strengthen cooperation between the Union and development institutions working in the region. He reiterated that the Ndokwa Neku Union remains the foremost representative body for Ndokwa interests.

He acknowledged DESOPADEC’s efforts so far but stressed that Ndokwa communities continue to face significant infrastructural and environmental challenges, particularly due to difficult terrain that raises the cost of development projects.

Asugwuni called for increased attention to the area in the Commission’s planning and budgetary considerations, while urging stronger advocacy for greater government intervention in addressing long-standing developmental gaps.

He further appealed for continued collaboration to ensure that Ndokwa communities benefit more from state-led development programmes.

The visit concluded with the presentation of a formal letter to the DESOPADEC leadership and was attended by officials of the Commission as well as members of the visiting delegation.