The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has been commended by the Forum of DESOPADEC Ethnic Nationality Presidents for its decision to implement the new minimum wage for its staff.
The Forum, representing various ethnic groups in the state, applauded the board for paying a minimum wage of N79,100 in alignment with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda.
The Forum emphasised that the move will foster a peaceful and conducive atmosphere within the commission.
The commendation was conveyed at a press conference held in Warri, jointly addressed by six ethnic leaders: Mr Akatakpo Gbesimi (Itsekiri), Felix Oyazimo (Ijaw), Chief Felix Ogboru (Urhobo), Mr Peter Ejemite (Isoko), Mr Nzesi Boniface Ossai (Ndokwa), and Mr Isioma Brown (Ika).
Describing the DESOPADEC board, led by Olorogun John Nani (chairman) and Chief Festus Ochonogor (Managing Director), as ‘staff-friendly’, the forum noted that the commission had made significant strides in improving workers’ welfare. They highlighted the incorporation of leave allowances into the revised conditions of service and enhancements to the commission’s sick bay.
According to the people, the board has also implemented a robust Health Insurance Scheme (HIS), which caters the workers and their families, covering a father, mother and four children in approved hospitals.
The Forum confirmed that the new minimum wage had been paid since November 2024, including October arrears.
The Forum credited their advocacy for the board’s swift action on the new minimum wage and urged skeptics to verify with staff members who have received the payment.
They also applauded the board for its commitment to promoting workers, clearing six months’ arrears and paying leave allowances in January 2025.
However, they acknowledged that the payment of end-of-year bonuses still awaited the governor’s approval. The ethnic leaders noted that the board had consistently met the health needs of staff, particularly those diagnosed with terminal illnesses, through significant financial support.
The Forum highlighted the reinstatement of workers previously laid off unjustly, with arrears paid and the ongoing upgrade of staff whose cases are under verification. They urged patience as the Board implements the measures in phases.
In their statement, the Forum warned against distractions aimed at destabilising the DESOPADEC board. They specifically called on Mr Lawrence Otueroro, the State Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), to verify his facts before making comments on the Commission’s affairs.
They expressed optimism that pending issues, including the governor’s approval of certain initiatives, would be resolved soon.
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