In a renewed effort to address the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse, as well as cult-related activities among teenagers, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has launched an intensified sensitization initiative across secondary schools in Ndokwa Nation of the state.
Spearheaded by Chief Festus Ochonogor, the Managing Director/CEO, this latest outreach is part of a broader strategy to protect adolescent well-being in oil-producing areas.
On November 28, 2025, the commission visited Ebologu Grammar School and St. Kizito College in Utagba-Uno.
During those sessions, students were provided with crucial, practical information regarding the dangers associated with drug misuse and the detrimental long-term effects of cultism.
The Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department of DESOPADEC emphasized that this campaign plays an essential role in the Commission’s youth development blueprint.
They highlighted the significant threats that drug abuse and cultism pose to education, community advancement, and the overall mental health of young people.
The outreach aims to foster awareness and encourage healthier lifestyle choices among the youth in the state.
Head of the Department, Mrs. Chinenye Ezonfade, explained that the sensitisation exercise aligned with the mandate of the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; DESOPADEC Board Chairman, Olorogun Obukowho John Nani; MD/CEO, Chief Festus Ochonogor; and the Executive Director, Social Services, Chief Favour Izoukumor.
She commended Comrade Esumike Harrison Nnamdi, Principal of Ebologu Grammar School, and Chief Ossai A. John, Vice Principal of St. Kizito College, for mobilising their students for the programme.
Delivering a goodwill message, Ochonogor urged students to take the campaigns seriously and stay vigilant against the lure of drugs and cultism.
He stated, “Drug abuse destroys potential. It weakens the mind, damages health, and cultism equally robs bright young people of the opportunity to become their best selves. But each of you carries a unique gift—your families, community, and our State are depending on you to rise and shine.”
Facilitators Ms. Elizabeth Odisu and Ms. Honeywell Eburajolor led interactive sessions addressing peer pressure, common entry points into drug abuse, cult influence, prostitution, emotional challenges, and the ripple effects of addiction on homes and society.
Students were encouraged to cultivate discipline, embrace positive peer influence, and pursue purposeful living as shields against destructive behaviours.
School authorities from both schools expressed appreciation to DESOPADEC for selecting their institutions for the sensitisation drive, describing the outreach as timely and impactful.
They appealed for the programme to be sustained for the benefit of younger generations.
Several students also shared their gratitude, noting that the sessions clarified issues they had either misunderstood or never deeply considered.
DESOPADEC reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining its school and community sensitisation efforts across its mandate areas, with the goal of nurturing healthier, more informed communities and empowering young people to make responsible life choices.
He spoke at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Youth Summit.
The event took place yesterday at the Governor’s Office Annex in Edjeba, Warri, and was represented by Olorogun (Dr.) Ebenezer Okorodudu, the Executive Director of Projects.
Ochonogor highlighted that the future of society, particularly in oil-producing areas, relies heavily on the youth.
He outlined DESOPADEC’s significant investments in youth-oriented initiatives, including a programme aimed at equipping young individuals with essential skills for the job market.
He mentioned financial support for indigent students pursuing higher education.
Ochonogor said the theme of the summit, ‘Keying the Youth of Oil-Producing Areas of Delta State into the Renewed Hope and M.O.R.E Agenda for Sustainable Development’, was highlighted as particularly relevant.
He said it aligned with the initiatives of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on uplifting youth and providing them with modern, market-driven vocational skills in various sectors.
According to the DESOPADEC’s boss, other sectors comprised oil servicing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Agribusiness, Renewable energy and Construction.
He said the commitment aimed to foster sustainable development and growth within the communities served by the commission.
Also speaking at the summit, Hon. Francis Ejiro Waive, representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency, urged youths in oil-producing areas to embrace peace, particularly in the Warri Federal Constituency.
Earlier, the Summit Convener, Comrade Owen Oghenero Edafe, highlighted the importance of uniting youths across the region to change the narrative and position themselves as key drivers of development.
Other speakers included Comrade Milton Ediri Sangboje (National Youth Council of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter), Comrade Isaac Garry (Ijaw Youth Council), Comrade Joel Emani (Isoko Development Union Youth Wing), and representatives from the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ndokwa youth bodies. They all echoed the need for unity and peace in Warri and surrounding communities.
Also present were Hon. Stella Okotete (Executive Director, Nexim Bank), Barr. Latimore Oghenesivwe (DG, Communication Bureau), Hon. Ejiro Tommy Jammany (Commissioner for Environment), and Chief Peter Oviejitebor Okagbare (Commissioner for Oil and Gas), among others.
Addressing concerns in a statement, DESOPADEC clarified that the bursary portal opened on May 8 and closed on May 29, 2025, during which over 25,000 applications were submitted.
It said after a thorough vetting process, 8,000 students were shortlisted based strictly on merit and eligibility.
The interventionist agency firmly dismissed rumours that students from specific institutions like the University of Benin or Delta State University were unfairly excluded.
“The selection process had nothing to do with where a student schools. If 1,000 students from a single university met the criteria, they were selected accordingly,” it stated.
DESOPADEC further disclosed that the 8,000 slots were distributed among the six ethnic mandate groups as follows: Urhobo: 2,000; Ijaw and Itsekiri: 1,500 eachIsoko, Ndokwa & Ika: 1,000 each.
Explaining why some students were not paid, the Commission said most complaints came from students who were either not shortlisted or provided incorrect bank details.
While most payments have been disbursed, the Commission assured that all eligible recipients will be paid promptly once pending issues are resolved.
It encouraged students to check the official list at www.desopadec.org.ng.
The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has reassured students and stakeholders of its transparency and commitment to educational support, dismissing rumours of bias in the 2025 Bursary Scheme.
Addressing concerns in a statement, DESOPADEC clarified that the bursary portal opened on May 8 and closed on May 29, 2025, during which over 25,000 applications were submitted.
It said after a thorough vetting process, 8,000 students were shortlisted based strictly on merit and eligibility.
The interventionist agency firmly dismissed rumours that students from specific institutions like the University of Benin or Delta State University were unfairly excluded.
“The selection process had nothing to do with where a student schools. If 1,000 students from a single university met the criteria, they were selected accordingly,” it stated.
DESOPADEC further disclosed that the 8,000 slots were distributed among the six ethnic mandate groups as follows: Urhobo: 2,000; Ijaw and Itsekiri: 1,500 eachIsoko, Ndokwa & Ika: 1,000 each.
Explaining why some students were not paid, the Commission said most complaints came from students who were either not shortlisted or provided incorrect bank details.
While most payments have been disbursed, the Commission assured that all eligible recipients will be paid promptly once pending issues are resolved.
It encouraged students to check the official list at www.desopadec.org.ng, while those who were shortlisted but yet to receive payment were urged to contact desopadecburs@gmail.com for assistance.
DESOPADEC reaffirmed its dedication to educational development in oil-producing areas and called for continued patience and understanding from the public.
Despite the annual budgetary allocations to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the 13 per cent derivation fund to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), oil and gas producing Itsekiri communities remain underdeveloped.
Chairman of Tisun Community Management Council in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, David Odeli, made the assertion in a statement made available to reporters in Warri, Saturday.
He accused the interventionist agencies, particularly the NDDC, of deviating from its constitutional responsibilities to providing political services to individuals in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the NDDC offers “low grade services to areas that have no constitutional links to the Commission, neglecting people of the oil and gas bearing communities.
“The budgetary provisions to NDDC is not reflecting in the Itsekiri oil and gas bearing coastal communities and the urban communities; from Ugborodo shore protection, Orere shore protection and reclamation, down to Ogheye shore protection, as well as reclamation to Ugbege line, down to Ototo boundary with Awoye in Ondo state.
“The Tisun/Kolokolo six kilometres road and reclamation projects, including Saghara community and reclamation of Ureju community, as well as sand-filling of Eghoro community, Ebrohimi/Obaghoro link roads and electrification projects, are some of the critical projects in Itsekiri coastal communities in Delta State, abandoned by the NDDC over the years.”
Continuing, Odeli’s statement read: “The NDDC and 13 percent derivation commission (DESOPADEC) were setup to provide the infrastructural and human capital developmental needs of oil and gas bearing communities, but the reverse is the case as at today, because both agencies have failed in their responsibilities.”
“DESOPADEC has a giant office complex in Warri and it is one of the most populated government agencies in Nigeria, yet nothing to show for the huge resources allocated to it, in terms of development of the oil-rich communities.
“What we see is high level misappropriation of funds and lack of good management by the commission. Our communities have no potable water, no electricity, lack internal and access roads, and are deprived of a good healthcare system and social security for our people. This is despite the huge resources drawn from the oil and gas bearing communities.”
Calling for urgent attention to the communities in terms of provision of social amenities, he warned that failure to do so may lead to hitches in oil and gas production in the areas this year 2024.
“If these social amenities are not urgently put in place in our communities, I insist that we will not guarantee the flow of oil and gas in the swamp this year, because we are not fools. The resources are God-given and the environment must be uplifted from bad to good, for our future generations,” he declared.
There is a crisis in Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) with allegations of nepotism, highhandedness and poor governance issues against its executive management team led by Mr Festus Ochonogor.
The 14 member board, inaugurated by the immediate past governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in the twilight of his tenure, has Mr John Nani as Chairman, and Mr Festus Ochonogor as Managing Director of the state interventionist agency.
While Efele Nicholas,Talib Tebite, Favour Izoukomor and Oghenekome Okpobor are Executive Directors.
Some board members allege due process was bypassed by the Managing Director Mr. Festus Ochonogor in the appointment of Heads of Department. They said the appointments were done without ratification by the board.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that the next board meeting may be stormy, adding that aggrieved members are calling for the appointments to be rescinded.
“The next Board meeting of DESOPADEC might run into stormy waters as the executive management appointed HODs without a board resolution. The due process ought to be that the Commissioner and the Executive Directors nominate candidates for HOD positions, which are forwarded to the Board for ratification or approval and the Board will direct the Managing Director to post the new HODs. But for the newly posted HODs due process was disregarded causing friction among the Board members who claimed that they were not aware of any meeting where it was deliberated upon.”
The Nation gathered that during the 2023 governorship election all HoDs were mandated to canvass for votes for the ruling People’s Democratic Party but were replaced four months into their tenures.
It was learnt that the HoD (Legal Department) was removed from office on grounds that two staff members, who were on Grade level 16, were senior to him in the department.
Investigation by our reporter further revealed that the present board appointed a new HoD (Administration) on Grade level 14 despite the presence of two other officers on Grade level 16 in the department.
The Nation further learnt that the executive management team threatened to post any staff to Area offices if any form of protest arises over the recent postings.
The source said the executive management team downplayed the posting insisting they were “routine.”
It was also learnt that some aggrieved board members are awaiting the Board chairman to convene a meeting where they will vent their anger on the executive management for running the Commission without the inputs of the entire board, especially where a board resolution is required to authenticate a policy.
Reacting, Mr Festus Ochonogor admitted that there were lapses in the administrative process of the agency which he attributed to the outgone management team.
He said, “It is true that the management style during the last administration of the agency is zero. The issue arose in the last three years when the last management team ran the agency as a sole administratorship. The HoD’s case is correct. The administrative process is zero because one or two persons took decisions for the entire board. These are the issues we are trying to resolve.”
• DESOPADEC board, management team in supremacy battle
There is infighting at Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
The battle is between the board and its executive management team led by Mr Festus Ochonogor, over allegations of nepotism, highhandedness and poor governance issues, The Nation has learnt.
The 14-member board, inaugurated by former governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, at the twilight of his tenure, has Mr John Nani as chairman and Mr Festus Ochonogor as managing director of the state interventionist agency.
Messrs Efele Nicholas,Talib Tebite, Favour Izoukomor and Oghenekome Okpobor are executive directors.
It was gathered that some board members alleged that due process was bypassed by Ochonogor in the appointment of heads of departments, which was done without ratification by the board.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the next board meeting scheduled to hold soon might be stormy, if the appointments were not rescinded.
The source said the appointment of heads of departments was done without a board resolution, adding that due process was bypassed.
It was learnt that at the last board meeting, some aggrieved members spoke against alleged marginalisation of commissioners on the board.
The Nation gathered that during the 2023 governorship election, heads of departments were mandated to canvass for votes for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but were replaced four months into their tenure.
It was learnt that the Head of Department (HoD), Legal Department, was removed from office on the grounds that two workers, who were on Grade level 16, were senior to him in the department.
Investigation by our reporter showed that the current board was appointed by a new HoD (Administration) on Grade level 14 despite the presence of two other officers on Grade level 16 in the department.
The Nation gathered that the executive management team threatened to post any worker to area offices if any form of protest arose over the recent postings.
It was learnt the executive management team said the postings were “routine” despite that most of the HODs had spent barely one year in office and that some HODs had spent over 10 years in some departments, but were not untouched in gale of reshuffling.
Reacting, Ochonogor admitted that there were lapses in the administrative process of the agency, blaming the situation on the past tenure of the outgone management team.
Indigenous contractors handling projects for the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) have appealed to the state government to allow variations in their contracts, due to rising inflation.
They hinged their stance on the depreciating value of the naira and continued delay in adequate funding of projects by previous administrators of the commission.
Chairman of DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum, Ogie Samson, an engineer; made the appeal at the body’s thanksgiving/end of year party held at Jeddo, Okpe Local Government.
He said members were facing challenges in the execution of projects due to increase in prices of materials, and stressed the need for the interventionist agency to allow for review of contracts.
Ogie said: “We the indigenous contractors are pleading with DESOPADEC to allow for contract variation where cogent and verifiable reasons are adduced because of inflation, since the commission owes contractors heavily”.
Disclosing that the forum had received some favourable response, he, however, urged the management of the commission to keep to the promise as from next month.
The forum chairman said no union or association enjoys using protests to press home genuine demands when the system works seamlessly.
Lauding the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chief Oghenekome Okpobor, for his response to the forum’s complaints unlike before, Ogie assured DESOPADEC management of mutual relationships in the coming year, in an effort to hasten development of the host communities, in line with the mandate of the agency.
He hailed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his sterling performance since he assumed office, expressing confidence that he would not disappoint the people.
He urged the governor to allocate more funds to DESOPADEC to enable the commission bring the expected development to the oil producing areas.
Highlight of the event was a thanksgiving service held at Dunamis International Centre, Warri, along NPA Expressway.
It is not the first time that the commission, which is saddled with developing oil-bearing communities in the state, has carried out such training. The history of the commission is signposted with such training, but this training seems to have learnt in thing or two from the past.
Many trainings by the commission, and indeed several others by government agencies, had focused mainly on the training and the provision of the most basic packs needed for beneficiaries to start. However, due to inadequate materials and lack of start-off capital, the trainees mostly sell them off before moving to other chapters or resurfacing in the next phase.
The Nation check showed that the 195 graduates in the 4th Skills Academy received starter packs worth over half a billion naira, as well as more than N40,000,000 seed money to enable them to start immediately.
Each of the 76 students trained in catering and confectionery skills got an industrial-size oven, chest-size deep freezer, 2kva power generator and mixers. Also included in the mouth-watering package are a gas cooker and cylinders, measuring scales, baking pans, rolling pins, cooking spoons, sieves, chafing dishes, blenders, and giant-size tripods, among others.
The 28 graduates in the hairdressing and makeover department smiled home with generators, hairdryers, blowers, washing basins, spa sets, and many more. Their 21 counterparts in welding and fabrication got massive diesel engine generators, welding machines, filing, and cutting machines, workstations, clamps, vices, tools boxes, an assortment of tools, welding glasses, and other appurtenance of their operations.
Those in fashion and design received sewing and weaving machines, generators, electric irons, and others. The four men trained in POP, Tiling and Interlocking, and their nine colleagues in Hardware and Software development, also received the tools and appliances that will get them off to a flying start in their chosen vocation.
Beyond the tools and appliances, each graduate received N200,000 start-up capital, while the seven best-graduating trainees from each department got N200,000 extra cash for their efforts. The grand cash prize of N500,000 for the overall best went to Ruth Samuel of Catering and Confectionery, who scored an astounding 97%.
In his address, the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed joy that the current board was raising a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders and wealth creators in the face of the daunting unemployment challenges facing the country. The governor remarked that skills training and development of entrepreneurs provide a sure path towards stemming the tide of the multipronged problem of unemployment and youth restiveness.
“This is exactly what DESOPADEC is doing with its Skills Academy, which equips our youths with the technical know-how, vocational skills, values, and resources to become wealth and job creators.”
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Special Assistant on DESOPADEC, Rt. Hon Basil Ganagana stated that the era of giving out handouts and stipends disguised as “youth or women empowerment” was over. He said his government would equip its people with the soft skills – knowledge, mindset change, personal development, and business/leadership skills – that would help them succeed in life.
“This mindset change is good for our people, and a motivation for this administration to continue to invest in these entrepreneurship development programmes,” he added. While congratulating the successful graduates who were resourced with Starter Packs.
The Chairman of the DESOPADEC Board, Chief John Nani, apparently recalling the sordid tale of past initiatives, warned the beneficiaries against selling the equipment and vital apparatus donated to them at the end of the programme.
“This mindset change is good for our people, and a motivation for this administration to continue to invest in these entrepreneurship development”, he said, while tasking them to be “focused, determined, imbibe strong business management skills” to succeed.
Speaking in the same vein, the commission’s Managing Director, Hon Festus Ochonogor, while harping on the importance of skill development, urged the beneficiaries to “live up to expectation and show you appreciate the government’s investment in you”. He said the programme is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the state government.
He disclosed plans to correct areas where challenges occurred in the programme, to make it more impactful. Ochonogor also revealed was determined to ensure that the beneficiaries are supported to succeed.
He disclosed that the commission would ensure active follow-up to ensure that the beneficiaries do not falter or fail. Already, he disclosed that all 195 beneficiaries were linked to mentors as part of their training, noting that this measure would be strengthened and improved upon for their success.
Earlier in his address, the Executive Director of the Directorate of Social Services, Hon Favour O. Izoukumor, enthused that the academy was set up to be a hub for skills development and grooming of the next sets of job creators by empowering individuals with the requisite knowledge and tools to enable them to thrive in the current world of stiff competition. He urged them to see themselves as apostles of change and development in their communities.
“As you reflect on the journey of undergoing your programs, it is important to recognize the transformative power of skill development. You have acquired valuable skills in various fields, be it welding, hairdressing, makeover, fashion design catering skills, etc. These skills are not just for personal gains but should be seen as tools to uplift your communities, contribute to societal development, and create a lasting impact. Each of you has a unique story, a unique set of talents, and a unique purpose. Embrace your uniqueness and let it guide you as you navigate the path ahead,” Izoukumor admonished.
The former Commissioner Representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality in the commission further admonished the trainees against failing or baulking from the initial challenges. Rather, he urged them to see hurdles as stepping stones and landmarks in their paths to success in their vocation.
While commending the determination of the state governor to tackle youth unemployment and other societal vices, he assured that DESOPADEC would work assiduously towards achieving the MORE-AGENDA of the current administration in the state. He also revealed that the commission was already working towards the new intakes in what he deemed would become a steady assembly line of entrepreneurs and innovators.
“Remember that the greatest achievements often arise from the most difficult circumstances. DESOPADEC is here to support you in line with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda because we believe the next, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedolas, Tony Elumelus, and even global luminaries like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are among this set of 2023 graduands, who will be the next transformative change-makers and entrepreneurs,” he added.
Speaking with The Nation, the traditional ruler of Idjerhe (Jesse) Kingdom, HRM Monday Obukowho Whiskey, Udurhie I, a former DESOPADEC director and a key player in the struggle by host communities for the creation of the commission, said the event was in tandem with the people’s vision.
He said DESOPADEC was conceived as a vehicle to develop the oil-bearing communities in the state and its people. While commending the commission, he called for more investments in communities that host oil facilities across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, the best-graduating student in Hardware and Software Development, Okoro Kess, expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori and DESOPADEC for the life-transforming training, and resources to start their lives.
“We are grateful for taking the initiative to take us from the street and equip us with these skills,” the beneficiary stated.
The ceremony was attended by political and traditional leaders from across the oil and gas-bearing communities in the three senatorial districts of the states. Notable among them were Hon Austin Uroye, Chairman of the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on DESOPADEC; SA to Governor Oborevwori on DESOPADEC, Rt. Hon Basil Ganagana, who stood in for his boss; and Hon Sam Ako.
Others included the traditional rulers of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM Capt Joseph Timiyan, Agbonu Torububor I; Idjerhe, HRM Monday Obukowho Whiskey, Udurhie I; Akugbene-Mein kingdoms, HRM Pere S.P. Luke Kalanama VIII among others.
The Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has identified skills training and entrepreneurship development as one of the best means to tackle the rising unemployment and poverty rate in the country.
The governor made the remark on Tuesday in Effurun, Delta State, during the graduation/prize-giving ceremony of 195 trainees of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission’s Skills Academy.
The governor, who was represented by his Special Assistant (SA) on DESOPADEC, Rt. Hon Basil Ganagana, said the training aims to turn youths into “wealth and job creators”.
He said, “It is no secret that many Nigerians are falling into the poverty bracket daily, and the percentage of the unemployed and underemployed is worrisome. Skills training and entrepreneurship development is one of the surest ways of ridding our society of the scourge of youth unemployment and the attendant youth restiveness.
“This is exactly what DESOPADEC is doing with its Skills Academy, which equips our youths with the technical know-how, vocational skills, values, and resources to become wealth and job creators.
“The era of giving out hand-outs as youth or women empowerment is over. We must equip our people with the soft skills – knowledge, mindset change, personal development, and business/leadership skills – that will help them succeed in life.
Chairman of the DESOPADEC Board, Hon. (Chief) John Nani, cautioned the beneficiaries against selling off their starter packs, pointing out that it would defeat the purpose of their training.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Hon Festus Ochonogor, while stressing the importance of skill development, urged the beneficiaries to “live up to expectation and show you appreciate government’s investment in you”.
He told the beneficiaries that how they turned out would encourage the state government to sustain the programme, which he noted was in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
On his part, the Executive Director, Directorate of Social Services, Chief Favour Izuokumor, said the six-month programme was conceived to take youths off the streets by empowering them with needed skills.
“These skills should be seen as opportunities to develop your communities. Embrace your uniqueness and let it guard you on the path ahead. I implore you to embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth. Never stop learning, as the world is constantly evolving,” the EDSS advised.
The training encompasses seven skills: Catering and Confectionary (76); Electrical Installation and Repairs (1); Hardware and Software Development (9); POP Tiling and Interlocking (4); Fashion and Design (56); Hair Dressing and Makeover (28); as well as Welding and Fabrication (21).
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards and a N500,000 cash prize to the overall best graduate, Ruth Samuel, who scored 97% score in Catering and Confectionary.
The best students in each of the vocations, and the presentation of N200,000 take-off grant to each graduate, along with a multimillion-naira starter-pack to enable them to kickstart their vocations.
