DESOPADEC Strengthens Youth Engagement, Advances Completion of Ika Zonal Office

The two initiatives formed part of recent activities by the DESOPADEC Governing Board member representing Ika ethnic nationality, Hon. Cosmas Igbenije, aimed at bringing the Commission’s programmes closer to beneficiaries and strengthening coordination across Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Areas.

As part of efforts to improve oversight of the Youth Empowerment Scheme, DESOPADEC commenced a familiarisation, screening and engagement exercise with beneficiaries in Ika Nation on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

The exercise, held at the APC Secretariat along Owa Okei Road, Boji-Boji Owa, was attended by beneficiaries, APC chairmen, secretaries and youth leaders from Ika South and Ika North East, as well as Hon. Friday Okoh, popularly known as “Hero.”

The engagement provided an opportunity for party leaders and scheme beneficiaries to interact, review activities and strengthen grassroots communication, monitoring and reporting.

Alika Onyekachukwu of Ika South and Ndubisi Okafor of Ika North East were nominated as LGA coordinators to facilitate closer communication with beneficiaries and improve monitoring of the scheme at the grassroots.

Speaking during the exercise, APC Chairman of Ika North East and Scheme Coordinator, Hon. Emeka Asiwe, expressed concern over the low attendance despite prior publicity, stressing the need for regular engagement to improve coordination and accountability.

The APC Chairman of Ika South, Comrade Frank Izekor, described the exercise as a proactive step towards ensuring better monitoring and urged stakeholders to sustain the initiative.

Igbenije urged beneficiaries to appreciate the opportunity provided by the empowerment scheme and justify the confidence reposed in them through active participation, commitment and responsible engagement.

He explained that the exercise was not merely a screening exercise but part of a broader structure designed to strengthen monitoring, coordination and the effectiveness of DESOPADEC’s interventions.

Meanwhile, the DESOPADEC Board member also inspected the ongoing construction of the Commission’s Zonal Office in Agbor on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

During the on-the-spot assessment, Igbenije expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and reaffirmed his determination to ensure the timely completion of the facility.

“Time is of essence. Once completed, this office will serve as the operational hub for DESOPADEC in Ika Nation,” he said.

He disclosed that the completion of the zonal office would facilitate closer interaction between DESOPADEC and communities across the two Ika local government areas.

According to him, the Commission would intensify engagements with Ika youths and other strategic stakeholders to ensure that communities benefit maximally from DESOPADEC programmes and projects.

The supervising engineer, Engr. Jude Adinkwu, assured that work on the facility was progressing and that efforts were being made to complete the project speedily.

Igbenije said the Agbor office would serve as a centre for coordinating DESOPADEC development projects, youth empowerment initiatives and community engagement in Ika Nation.

He also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to infrastructure and development across Delta State, particularly in communities covered by DESOPADEC’s mandate.

On the sidelines of the inspection, Igbenije met with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ika South Branch, led by its chairman, Comrade Gerald Mahiagu.

He assured the union of his readiness to engage stakeholders within his mandate area to promote inclusion, collaboration and development.

The twin developments — increased oversight of the Youth Empowerment Scheme and the advancement of the Agbor Zonal Office — are expected to strengthen DESOPADEC’s presence in Ika Nation and improve the delivery of its programmes at the grassroots.