-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- By Bawo Akpo OFERE/Albert OGRAKA:

In a bid to ensure the safety of staff, ahead of the partial resumption to work after the government lockdown order, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has successfully carried out decontamination and fumigation of the Commission’s offices before resumption of duties.

The exercise, which took place on 2nd May, 2020, was sequel to the approval of the Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, Bashorun Hon. Askia Ogieh, for the safety of staff from the COVID-19 pandemic and to rid the offices of rodents, termites, reptiles and insects.

All the offices and precincts of the Commission were appropriately fumigated and decontaminated by the firm contracted to do the job while the exercise was duly supervised by select staff from the Environment Division of the Social Services Department.

The entire process was properly monitored by the duo of the Director, Administration and Supplies, Pst. Ferdinand Ebiboh and a Deputy Director in the department, Mr. Ejogbamu Sam.

The decontamination and fumigation exercise was made possible by the cooperation and compliance of the various Heads of Departments, secretaries and other staff that made themselves available to make sure all the offices were open.

The exercise began with offices at the Warri-Sapele Road Head Office, from both blocks, to the ongoing building behind block B, to the newly acquired office space by the Head Office, and to the Annex Office at Swamp Road.

According to the Director, Department of Administration and Supplies, Pst. Ferdinand Ebiboh, the idea behind the decontamination and fumigation, (and not just fumigation alone) was a well thought proactive initiative by the Chief Executive of the Commission, Bashorun Hon. Askia Ogieh, against the backdrop of the current ravaging coronavirus pandemic that has radically changed the rhythm of corporate governance all over the world.

“This effort has offered hope that more measures will be put in place to monitor and ensure the sustenance of the various measures already started, including social distancing, hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers at our offices.

“As staff of certain grade levels and essential services prepare to resume duties on Monday May 4, 2020 in the aftermath of the executive directive by His Excellency the Governor of the state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the current preventive measure by the Board being a major one is highly commendable indeed.

“Consequently, all staff are admonished that the safety of everyone else is dependent on them via their actions and omission.

“By our collective cooperation in this wise, we are certain to continue driving the preventive effort of the state government.”