By Onome Oghenetega
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, has assured that the much anticipated Skills Academy by the commission will take off in the new year.
Bashorun Askia said the commission in 2021 will focus on entrepreneurship and building skills for youths of oil bearing communities in the state.
The DESOPADEC boss stated this on Friday in a New Year message personally signed by him titled “A New Year and Hope Renewed”.
He said through the DESOPADEC Skills Academy, the commission will be building entrepreneurs and artisans that would be employers of labour.
Askia stated that era of youths waiting for nonexisting white-collar jobs was over, urging youths to take advantage of the forthcoming Academy to build a better life for themselves.
“On our part, the DESOPADEC under my watch looks forward to collaborating with vision-driven council leaders who will partner with us in executing our innovative programmes to improve the quality of life of our people. Programmes designed to equip our people with requisite business acumen and entrepreneurial wherewithal to venture into businesses will be vigorously pursued by DESOPADEC in the New Year,” Bashorun Askia said.
“Our primary target for the programmes are our vibrant youth and our womenfolk. We are poised to kick start the DESOPADEC Skills Academy, believing that the future belongs to the artisans and not youths who parade certificates, looking for non-existent white collar jobs.
“For the ready youths, DESOPADEC will make them employers of labour and confident and enterprising youths, through our Academy”, he said.
He urged the people of DESOPADEC mandate areas to be optimistic in the New Year, saying 2021 will usher good tidings as against 2020 that came with many challenges which posed threats to the human existence with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
The DESOPADEC boss also charged the people to remain peaceful especially in the forthcoming March 6 council elections, adding that development will only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
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According to him, “Now that we have successfully berthed into 2021 through the mercy and grace of the Most High, we should march on with renewed hope that the New Year holds great prospects for us and our mandate communities.
“By the peaceful conduct of the recently held party primaries ahead of the forthcoming local government elections, we have set the stage for a peaceful transition to a new leadership in the councils.
“DESOPADEC, as always thrives better where peace and tranquility reigns. I urge you all to sustain the spirit of the peaceful conduct of the primaries to ensure the emergence of credible and responsive leadership after the March 6, 2021 council elections.
“I must state, for emphasis, that the Commission has enjoyed the partnership and cooperation of our mandate areas, giving us the atmosphere to impact positively and to deliver our intended vision and mission. For that, we are most grateful and crave further mutual collaboration for the benefit of our people and communities.”
Bashorun Askia assured that the commission will continue to priotise the welfare of staff and operate an open-door policy that will engendered development of its host communities.
He also enjoined the people to continue to support the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in its quest to uplift the living standard and infrastructure of the state.
“Our staff have been amazing. Our successes since coming on board are testimonials. For that, Management has resolved to reciprocate by ensuring that all staff welfare policies, including deserved promotions, are effectively attained. As a listening Board, we expect that our shortcomings, if any, are promptly raised for immediate remedies.
“I urge you to continue to support the administration of His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, who has given immense support to the Commission.
“I am optimistic and confident that with the support of our mandate communities, the New Year will herald greater prosperity for our people”, he further stated.
