By Wilson Macaulay
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has passed a resounding vote of confidence on Hon. Spencer O. Okpoye, the Commissioner representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality on the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), praising what it described as his superlative performance in office. The commendation came on Tuesday when the leadership of MOSIEND’s Western Zone covering Delta, Edo and Ondo States paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner in his Warri office.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of MOSIEND (Western Zone), Comr. Abulu S. Graham, said the group deemed it necessary to officially introduce itself and express its profound satisfaction with the Commissioner’s superlative performance so far. He noted that MOSIEND received news of Okpoye’s appointment with great excitement, describing the appointment as well-deserved in view of the Commissioner’s pedigree, capacity, and long-standing commitment to the development and progress of ljaw nation.
According to him, MOSIEND is fully in sync with Hon. Okpoye’s vision and direction of leadership in DESOPADEC, assuring him of the group’s unwavering support throughout his tenure. His words: “We promise as a body that we will stand behind you to do the needful. It is our prerogative to defend this office anytime and any day because you have proven your mettle as a trusted and a dependable leader”.
Flanked by the Secretary, Engr. Godstime Daniel Ayetan; Woman Leader, Boyelayefa Ambakederemo; Mobilisation Officer, Darlington Egbe; and Treasurer, Dennis Eyerindideke, Comr. Graham emphasized that MOSIEND is made up of credible, committed and influential Ijaw sons and daughters. He added that the group is proud to identify with Hon. Okpoye, whom they described as a shining example of responsible leadership and a worthy representative of the Ijaw nation.
Also speaking, the National Legal Adviser of MOSIEND, Barr. Afoegba Goodyear, urged the Commissioner to continue with the execution of impactful projects to leave an indelible legacy. He commended Hon Okpoye for the warm reception and assured him that MOSIEND would continue to collaborate with him to advance the development interest of Ijaw communities. In his response, Hon. Spencer O. Okpoye expressed profound appreciation to the group for the visit and for acknowledging the progress recorded so far. He disclosed that upon assumption of office, he discovered that many projects across his jurisdiction —particularly in Egbema—had been abandoned for years.
His words: “After taking stock, we captured a significant number of the abandoned projects in the 2023 budget. I am happy to report that about 59 of those projects have already been executed across the mandate area” . He emphasized that his duty is not limited to his immediate community but spans across all ljaw communities within Delta State, in line with the core mandate of DESOPADEC and the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Commission had raised concerns to the Governor that without additional intervention, many ongoing projects risked being abandoned again in the 2024 fiscal year. His words: “In his magnanimity, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, approved the sum of ₦8.4 billion to enable us pay contractors so they can complete the various projects”. Hon. Okpoye assured the group that by the special grace of God, most projects under his purview would be completed before the end of the present Board’s tenure, adding that he is determined to leave behind a clear record of achievements for successors to build upon.
He also reiterated his willingness to continue his partnership with MOSIEND, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), and other key Ijaw and Niger Delta stakeholders to ensure that the rights and interests of oil-producing communities are protected. His Words: “You are recognized, and I will protect your interests until I leave this office,” he assured MOSIEND. “Now that you have been recognized at this level, any commissioner after me will also recognize and work with this great body.”
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a portrait of Hon. Okpoye as a token of appreciation for what MOSIEND described as his outstanding leadership, commitment, and impressive developmental drive since assuming office. The visit underscored a renewed synergy between DESOPADEC leadership and Ijaw socio-cultural groups, further strengthening confidence that the Ijaw mandate area will continue to witness meaningful development under the stewardship of Hon. Spencer O. Okpoye.