The Delta State Government has concluded plans to establish a crude oil refining plant in the state. The project will be undertaken by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission. The government agency is saddled with managing 50 per cent of the monthly derivation revenue accruing to the state.

Already, the Executive Chairman of DESOPADEC, Chief Wellington Okrika, has led a delegation on a fact-finding tour of the multi- million naira Amukpe International Refineries Limited in Ikot-Ibiok, Eket-Oron, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom State. Okrika, according to a statement issued by his Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Mr. Monday Whiskey, said DESOPADEC would set up a similar refinery in the state.

Okrika, who was reportedly overwhelmed by the findings of his delegation at the Amukpe refinery, said efforts were in top gear to re-enact the same feat in Delta State. Whiskey quoted his boss as saying,” I am highly impressed with the level of work and determination of the project supervisors.”
Chairman, Project Mobilization Committee of the Amukpe refinery, Mr. James Essien, said the refinery has a capacity of producing 12,000 barrels per day.
According to him, the main refinery plants an

machinery were being fabricated by Ventech Engineers International Cooperation in Pasadena, Texas and would be shipped in modular forms into the country in early 2008. Meanwhile, over 20,000 persons have benefited from the free medical services initiated by DESOPADEC in Otujeremi, the headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state. The scheme was inaugurated by the state Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, at Otujeremi General Hospital.

Utuama commended the Okrika- led commission for conceiving the free health care services. He said the state government was pleased by the achievements of the commission within the shortest time of its existence. Utuama said the initiative was in tandem with the policy of the state government on human capital development.

Okrika, in his remarks stated that DESOPADEC would strive to realise the mandate of the state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. It will be recalled that the free medical service was first inaugurated at Okerenkoko, Warri South Local Government Area, where 9,000 persons were treated.