Delta State Postpones Strategic Summit on Oil Facility Protection to Broaden Stakeholder Engagement

DELTA STATE EXPANDS SCOPE OF STRATEGIC SUMMIT ON OIL FACILITIES AND GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES PROTECTION
Strategic Postponement Aims to Broaden Stakeholder Engagement and Enhance Summit Impact

Asaba, Delta State- The Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on DESOPADEC Matters announces the strategic postponement of its highly anticipated One Day Summit on Protecting and Safeguarding Oil Facilities and Government Properties in the DESOPADEC Mandate Areas, originally scheduled for November 1st, 2024. This decision follows extensive consultations with state officials and key stakeholders, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and comprehensive solutions to security challenges in Delta State’s oil-producing regions.

Comr. Owen Oghenero Edafe, Senior Special Assistant SSA to the Governor of Delta State on DESOPADEC Matters, explained that the postponement is aimed at broadening the summit’s scope and impact. “In line with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda, we are expanding our stakeholder engagement to ensure that every critical voice in Delta State’s oil sector is heard and represented at this important gathering,” stated Comr. Edafe.

The expanded stakeholder framework will now include:

• Oil-producing host communities (HOSTCOM)
• Communities’ President Generals from all DESOPADEC mandate areas
• Ethnic Nationalities Youth Groups
• Security Agencies and specialized security service providers
• Oil companies operating within DESOPADEC mandate areas
• Student Bodies from oil-producing communities
• Traditional institutions and community development committees
• Environmental rights groups and advocacy organizations

This strategic expansion aligns perfectly with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security) agenda, particularly focusing on enhancing peace and security in oil-producing regions while fostering meaningful development.

“The protection of oil facilities and government properties is not just a security issue – it’s about sustainable development, environmental protection, and creating opportunities for our youth,” Comr. Edafe emphasized. “By broadening our stakeholder base, we’re ensuring that the solutions we develop are comprehensive, practical, and sustainable.”

The summit, which aims to address critical challenges facing Delta State’s oil sector and public infrastructure, will bring together experts, policymakers, community leaders, and industry stakeholders to develop actionable strategies for protecting these vital assets. The expanded format will now include additional technical sessions, community engagement workshops, and innovative security solution demonstrations.

Key focus areas of the summit remain:

• Advanced surveillance and security technologies
• Community-based asset protection strategies
• Youth empowerment and engagement initiatives
• Environmental protection and sustainable development
• Legal and policy framework enhancement
• Inter-agency cooperation and coordination

The new date for the summit will be announced in the coming weeks, following consultations with key stakeholders to ensure maximum participation and impact. All existing commitments and partnerships remain valid, with several notable organizations and government agencies already pledging their support for this initiative.

“This postponement is not a delay, but rather an investment in ensuring that our summit delivers the most comprehensive and effective outcomes possible,” Comr. Edafe concluded. “We are committed to organizing an event that will set new standards for stakeholder engagement and problem-solving in the Niger Delta region.”

For more information about the summit and updates on the new date, interested parties can contact:

09161272918
Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on DESOPADEC Matters
Delta State Government House
Asaba, Delta State

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF THE SSA ON DESOPADEC MATTERS:
The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on DESOPADEC Matters works to ensure effective coordination between the Delta State Government and the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), focusing on development initiatives in oil-producing communities.