By Festus Ahon & Ochuko Akuopha

OLEH—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, said yesterday, that he had at no time contemplated scrapping Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development  Commission, DESOPADEC, as being insinuated in some parts of the state.

He explained that the bill he submitted to the state House of Assembly was aimed at strengthening the commission to “Make sure that DESOPADEC goes to the grassroots to enable traditional rulers and the youths participate in decision making in DESOPADEC so that nobody tempers with DESOPADEC.”

Speaking while commissioning the state Training Centre, Arts and Crafts in Emede,  Isoko South Local Government Area, he advised the people to read the bill and understand it and “stop all the blackmail and also stop misleading the people.

“I know the pressure on me, the pressure from those who do not want DESOPADEC and from those who are angry that the money going into DESOPADEC is too much.” He reiterated that the bill was to ensure that the grassroots people benefit more than they are benefiting presently.

On the Arts and Crafts Training Centre, Uduaghan noted that his administration, in its human capacity agenda, has paid attention to formal education and skills acquisition, which he said was also  important for the growth and development of the economy of the state.