The Executive Director, Projects, of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, has commended the incoming Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Warri Branch, Engr. Queen Uche Chigbo, for demonstrating initiative and excellence ahead of her formal inauguration.
Okorodudu, who is also the Otota of the ancient Olomu Kingdom, gave the commendation on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by members of the NSE Warri Branch to DESOPADEC’s headquarters in Warri, Delta State.
Impressed by the delegation, which included young engineers and students, the DESOPADEC executive director praised Chigbo for beginning work before formally assuming office, describing her approach as a departure from the practice of waiting until inauguration before taking action.
“What you have done is so impressive to me. You are not waiting until when you are inaugurated. You already hit the ground running and started working effectively even when you have not been inaugurated,” Okorodudu said.
He challenged other professional leaders to emulate the incoming chairman, warning against occupying leadership positions without demonstrating initiative or delivering results.
“Some will wait until they are inaugurated and even after inauguration, will spend months idling, bearing the title without initiatives,” he added.
Okorodudu reaffirmed his commitment to professional development, saying he had consistently supported engineers in DESOPADEC to attend seminars, workshops and training programmes to update their knowledge and skills.
“I had my PhD twenty years ago, and anything that has to do with updating your knowledge, I don’t play with it,” he said.
Responding to concerns raised by Chigbo over the low participation of DESOPADEC engineers in NSE activities, Okorodudu promised to take steps to improve their involvement.
He asked the branch to formally communicate its concerns to him, assuring the delegation that he would convene a meeting with the relevant engineers and direct them to participate actively in the society’s programmes.
“The engineering profession is the engine room of every development. Without engineering, there is no development,” he said.
The DESOPADEC official lamented what he described as the declining recognition of engineering in Nigeria, linking the situation to the collapse of industries and policy failures, including the Structural Adjustment Programme.
He recalled a period when engineering graduates were readily absorbed into employment immediately after graduation, contrasting it with the present situation in which some qualified engineers struggle for years to secure jobs.
“In those days, you cannot be an engineer and look for work. As soon as you graduate, in two seconds you are employed. But today, I know an engineer who graduated more than 13 years ago without a job,” he said.
He urged the NSE to advocate stronger regulatory standards through the National Assembly to promote engineering practice and national development.
Okorodudu assured the delegation that DESOPADEC’s Board and Management would continue to recognise and partner with the professional body, noting that engineering was central to the commission’s operations, including works, housing and infrastructure development.
He advised the NSE Warri Branch to submit a formal letter to the Managing Director of DESOPADEC through his office, with a copy to him, to establish areas of collaboration.
He also expressed his willingness to attend the branch’s forthcoming inauguration and investiture ceremony, saying he looked forward to further engagements with the engineers.
Earlier, Chigbo congratulated Okorodudu on his installation as Otota of Olomu Kingdom on September 19, 2026, by the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, describing the honour as recognition of his humility, wisdom, loyalty and contributions to the kingdom and Delta State.
She also praised his leadership at DESOPADEC, particularly his commitment to community-based projects and willingness to engage professional organisations.
Chigbo sought the commission’s partnership in implementing the branch’s B.U.I.L.D 2026 Agenda, which includes plans to establish an Engineering Resource, Innovation and Skills Acquisition Training Centre, organise a STEM training programme for secondary school students and provide practical solar installation training for young engineers and community youths.
The programme is also expected to culminate in the installation of solar power at a rural primary healthcare centre and the provision of solar-powered boreholes in schools.
According to Chigbo, the initiatives align with Sustainable Development Goals 4, 6 and 7, focusing on quality education, clean water and sanitation, and affordable and clean energy, while targeting benefits for oil-producing communities.
She formally invited Okorodudu to attend as Special Guest of Honour at the inauguration and investiture of the branch’s new executive committee, scheduled for Friday, November 28, 2026, in the state.
The NSE delegation later presented a token of appreciation to Okorodudu in recognition of his leadership and support for professional engagement.
Those present during the visit included Engr. Joseph Eghwrude, FNSE; Engr. Ebipade Linda Guwo, MNSE, a past chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN); Engr. Rita Uzezi Anota, MNSE; Engr. Torere Blessing, MNSE; and Engr. Ikubu Akpevwe, MNSE.
DESOPADEC officials at the meeting included Engr. Anthony Okuwe, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Projects; Engr. Elliot Olokor, Head of Project Monitoring and Evaluation; Engr. Friday Money, Head of Works; Comr. Tom Obrozie Odiouzo, Head of Utility; Engr. Chief Mathew Onokpasa, Senior Assistant to the Executive Director, Projects; and Engr. Collins Okorodudu, Technical Assistant to the Executive Director, Projects.
