The Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders Forum has passed a vote of confidence on the Managing Director of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Chief Austin Onyedebelu, expressing satisfaction with his leadership and commitment to the development of oil-producing communities in Imo State.
The vote of confidence came on Tuesday when leaders of the Forum, led by Comrade Wisdom Nwauwa, paid a courtesy visit to the ISOPADEC MD in Owerri.
The youth leaders highlighted several challenges confronting communities in the oil-producing areas and appealed for sustained government intervention to address developmental needs across the region.
Responding, the MD detailed the group on the Commission’s ongoing projects and programmes, explaining that ISOPADEC remains committed to delivering meaningful development to the people.
Onyedebelu noted that the Commission regularly engages traditional rulers, youth leaders, women’s groups, and other stakeholders to ensure inclusiveness and transparency in its operations.
The ISOPADEC boss further assured the delegation that his office remains open to every citizen of the oil-producing region, encouraging stakeholders to continue offering constructive suggestions that will enhance the Commission’s performance.
Speaking after the meeting, Comrade Nwachukwu Charles Oringo, President of NDYM, Imo State Chapter, commended Onyedebelu for his accessibility, responsiveness, and developmental initiatives, saying the youth are impressed by the level of work being undertaken by the Commission.
The youth, satisfied with Onyedebelu’s achievements, unanimously endorsed his leadership style, urging all stakeholders from the oil-producing communities to unite behind his leadership in the interest of peace, stability, and sustainable development.
The Forum also expressed optimism that Onyedebelu’s emergence as the Chairman of the APC in Imo State would further strengthen his access to Governor Hope Uzodimma and attract greater developmental attention to the oil-producing communities.
“The dual responsibility places the ISOPADEC MD in a strategic position to facilitate stronger collaboration between the Commission and the state government, a development we believe will translate into unprecedented growth for the Niger Delta communities in Imo State,” the youth added.
The Forum, however, warned individuals allegedly sponsoring campaigns of blackmail and distraction against the Managing Director to desist.
They also advised those interested in succeeding Onyedebelu to allow him to complete his tenure, stressing that unnecessary distractions and politically motivated attacks would only undermine the Commission’s developmental mandate.
The youth reaffirmed their commitment to supporting every genuine effort aimed at improving the welfare of the people of the oil-producing areas and pledged to continue partnering with ISOPADEC in promoting peace, accountability, and sustainable development across the region.
