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The Kogi state Oil Producing Area Development Commission (Kosopadec) has assured of running a purposeful governance that will prioritize the welfare and developmental needs of the host communities and the state.
This was disclosed by the commission on a 4 day peer review tour of Imo state Oil Producing Area Development Commission (Isopadec) from Wednesday to Saturday 24, November 2025 in Owerri Imo state capital.
The Chairman of the Commission , Comrade Suleiman Ndalayi Abdullahi noted that the visit was to compare notes , cooperate and work in synergy for the benefits of the two states.
He said as a young commission,to understudy the older ones has become imperative to tap into their opportunities and filter their challenges.
The Chairman added that the tour has given him the needed guides that will be judiciously applied in the running of the commission, which he said, will fast track development to the people
He assured the people of kogi state that the Commission has a mutual relationship between the Management and the Board and promised to work as a team to deliver visions and missions set by Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo to deliver development for the interest of the communities and the state
He added that the interest of the communities is uppermost for the Commission.and as such the knowledge gathered from the interaction has equipped them with the ingredients to make a difference and have resolved to ward- off rumours with tendencies to impinge on the smooth running of the commission.
He commended Governor Ododo for given the commission the needed apparatus to take off on sound footing and thanked Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma for graciously approving the visit.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Kosopadec, James Omonu Jackson noted that the strategic position of Isopadec and the mutual relationship between kogi and Imo state governments were the reason for the choice of Imo state as first state to be visited
He explained that the Management and Board members have to undertake the study tour of Isopadec because of its wealth of experience and long standing development which it has been offering the people, which is worths emulating for the success of the commission
He said “the experience that the Isopadec had gathered since it’s inauguration had made it a force for a newer commission like Kosopadec to understudy for the benefits of tightening potential loose ends to fast tract development by the commission.
” Out of the commissions earmarked for visit , Isopadec was chosen to be the first to be visited This is as a result of a long standing relationship between the two states. Our coming here today, whatever experience we gather will be replicated in our state. We have seen the advancement so far made and we are prepared to bring the idea back home” He emphasized.
The MD assured the state that the commission is well prepared to upscale the activities of the commission to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
Meanwhile, the host Chairman, HRH Amuzienwa Dele Odigbo, and ex. Sole Administration Joakis Uzoka together with some of his officials in an interactive sessions, emphasized the need to establish functional departments such as Administration, Finance and Accounts, Works, Education, planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, legal and Agriculture Departments to assist in the translation of the programmes and projects into reality.
He advised for cooperation on the issues of procurement and process of tendering to avoid friction stressing that if not handled properly could undermine all the successes so far recorded.
While advising for adherence to the extant Act, said, no two laws are the same, as they are promulgated for the specific needs of the commissions, he,however said , there is room for amendment.
According to him, The Chairman of the Board as a matter of necessity should work harmoniously with the MD, who is the Chief Executive Officer and saddled with the day to day running of the commission.
The two must follow due process in all they do . Any attempt to subjugate each others functions may spell doom and will do no one good.
Therefore every one , from the Commissioners and in the case of Kogi , Executive Directors, Secretary and the civil servants must observe highest level of professionalism.
While speaking on the importance of Youth, women and traditional institution in the oil producing communities, noted that their interest must be factored into the plans and program of the commission for seamless peace and tranquility.
He warned that any attempt to undermine them could lead to unmitigated restiveness that could retard the growth and development of the commission.
He called for frequent exchanges and nurturing of relevant ideas that will galvanize the commissions for utmost performances.
In the same token, APC woman leader, Princes Chinwe Njoku stated that as an interventionist Agency , all hands must be on deck in prioritizing the welfare of the Youths, women and traditional rulers to stem the tide of crisis that may arise from lack of effective communication.
She suggested that Liaison offices should be created both at the Local Government Council and the state to feed the Commission with the special needs of the communities.