By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has rolled out what it described as an unprecedented six-month performance scorecard under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Poroye, highlighting major strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare and shoreline protection across oil-producing communities of the state.
Addressing a press conference at the commission’s headquarters in Akure on Tuesday, Poroye said the achievements recorded since the inauguration of the 10th Board six months ago were driven by the vision of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, encapsulated in the ‘OUR EASE’ Agenda, which prioritises opportunity, urban and rural development, and the social well-being of the people.
The OSOPADEC chairman noted that several projects inherited by the commission had either been completed or had reached advanced stages, stressing that the board had adopted a people-centred and transparent approach to governance in line with the governor’s directive.
According to him, the focus was to ensure that oil-producing communities, which had contributed significantly to the state’s economy, began to feel the tangible benefits of development.
Poroye revealed that one of the board’s earliest interventions was to restore institutional stability within the commission by resolving a long-standing legal dispute between OSOPADEC and Coastville Global Resources, an investment arm of the commission.
He said legal teams had been directed to withdraw the case, describing the move as a major step towards removing obstacles to development and refocusing the commission on service delivery.
In the area of social well-being, the chairman announced the completion of the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, bringing improved healthcare services closer to riverine communities.
He also disclosed that the renovation of 21 public primary and secondary schools across Ilaje and Ese-Odo areas had been completed, providing a more conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers.
On educational support, Poroye confirmed that the 2023/2024 OSOPADEC scholarships and bursaries had been fully disbursed to eligible students from oil-producing communities.
He further disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had approved the completion of three OSOPADEC student hostels at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
Infrastructure development featured prominently in the scorecard, with the chairman stating that the 28.5-kilometre Aboto–Atijere Road had reached about 33 percent completion, while the 4.72-kilometre Ugbo-Nla–Erunna Road, also known as Igbokoda–Ayetoro Road Phase III, was undergoing processing.
He added that the commission had prioritised projects that would enhance connectivity, boost trade and promote social integration in coastal communities.
Poroye also announced that the rural electrification project covering Ilumeje-Atijere, including Igboegunrin, Gbolomi and Igbobi, was currently undergoing approval at the Ondo State Bureau of Public Procurement.
He said OSOPADEC had earlier installed five transformers of 500KVA and 300KVA capacities at Aboto and strategic locations in Igbokoda to improve electricity supply and stimulate small-scale businesses.
Further highlighting ongoing projects, the chairman said the construction of 1,000 metres of concrete walkways in Obe-Nla had reached 85 percent completion, while the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Ugbo-Nla was also 85 per cent completed.
He described the maritime school as a strategic investment aimed at skills development and job creation in the blue economy sector.
Addressing environmental challenges, Poroye said the commission had developed strategic plans for shoreline protection and land reclamation to tackle the devastating effects of climate change, sea incursion and coastal erosion in Ayetoro and other vulnerable communities.
He disclosed that the governor had approved a pilot shoreline protection and reclamation project at Obe-Nla to test and refine the technology before wider implementation.
The OSOPADEC boss added that the board had undertaken extensive project tours across its mandate areas to ensure accountability and effective monitoring, while also prioritising the payment and mobilisation of contractors handling key projects, including the Omuro International Market in Ugbo-Nla.
Internally, Poroye said the commission had strengthened its workforce through capacity-building programmes, staff promotions, training and improved welfare, reinforced by a board and management retreat held in October to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support, as well as to board members, management and staff of the commission for their dedication.
Poroye also commended the media for their role in promoting transparency and accountability, reiterating that OSOPADEC remained committed to serving the people of Ondo State, particularly those in oil-producing communities.
