The Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission has restated its commitment to driving development and improving the welfare of oil-producing communities in the state. This assurance was given during a four-day peer review tour of the Imo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, which took place from Wednesday to Saturday, November 24, 2025, in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of KOSOPDEC, Comrade Suleiman Ndalayi Abdullahi, said the tour was designed to strengthen collaboration, compare operational models, and learn from ISOPADEC’s long-standing experience. He explained that the commission saw value in studying the systems of older agencies to understand both their opportunities and challenges. “As a young commission, it has become imperative to understudy older agencies in order to tap into their opportunities and filter their challenges,” he said. Abdullahi noted that the review provided useful guidance that would be adopted to speed up development across Kogi’s oil-producing communities.
He highlighted the strong working relationship between the Management and Board of KOSOPDEC, adding that both groups were committed to jointly delivering the vision of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for inclusive community development. He also commended the governor for providing the tools and support needed for the commission to start strong and appreciated Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for approving the study visit.
Managing Director of KOSOPDEC, James Omonu Jackson, explained that ISOPADEC was selected for the first peer review tour because of its strategic position, notable achievements, and the cordial ties between Imo and Kogi states. He stated that ISOPADEC’s long experience made it a model for newer commissions. “ISOPADEC’s experience since its inauguration has made it a model for newer commissions like KOSOPDEC. Whatever we have learned here will be replicated at home to tighten loose ends and fast-track development,” Jackson said. He assured that the commission was ready to scale up its operations to meet the expectations of the people.
During an interactive session, ISOPADEC Chairman HRH Amuzienwa Dele Odigbo, former Sole Administrator Joakis Uzoka, and other officials emphasized the importance of establishing functional departments such as Administration, Finance and Accounts, Works, Education, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Legal, and Agriculture to ensure smooth project execution. They advised the Kogi delegation to strictly follow procurement rules and respect the agency’s laws, stressing that a harmonious relationship between the Board Chairman and Managing Director was key to effective operations.
The ISOPADEC leadership also underscored the need to include youths, women, and traditional institutions in development plans, warning that ignoring these groups could lead to unrest in host communities. APC Woman Leader, Princess Chinwe Njoku, encouraged KOSOPDEC to focus on community engagement and recommended creating liaison offices at both local government and state levels to improve communication and response to community needs.
