OSOPADEC Unveils Scorecard Under Prince Poroye in Line With Gov Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE Agenda
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has presented a comprehensive account of its achievements in the last six months, reaffirming its commitment to people-centred development, transparency, and inclusive growth under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing, Prince Poroye said the meeting was convened to provide a clear and honest account of the Commission’s stewardship, particularly to the people of oil-producing communities who remain central to OSOPADEC’s mandate.
He explained that the 10th Board of the Commission assumed office with a clear directive from the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to align all interventions with the governor’s OUR EASE Agenda, which is anchored on Opportunity, Urban and Rural Development, and Social Well-being.
Under the Social Well-being pillar of the Agenda, the Commission recorded significant strides in healthcare and education.
The General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon in Ese-Odo has been completed, bringing much-needed quality healthcare closer to riverine communities.
In the education sector, renovation works are ongoing in 21 public primary and secondary schools across Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, with 13 already completed to provide safer and more conducive learning environments.
Further boosting access to education, the Governor approved the completion of three OSOPADEC student hostels at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
In advancing Urban and Rural Development, the Commission prioritised infrastructure to enhance connectivity, trade, and social integration. The 28.5km Aboto–Atijere Road has recorded measurable progress, while preparatory processes for the 4.72km Ugbo-Nla–Erunna Road (Igbokoda–Ayetoro Road Phase III) are underway.
To address power challenges in riverine communities, OSOPADEC initiated the rural electrification of Ilumeje-Atijere, spanning Igboegunrin, Gbolomi, and Igbobi, which is currently undergoing approval at the Ondo State Bureau of Public Procurement (ODBPP). Complementing this effort, five transformers (500KVA and 300KVA capacities) have already been installed in Aboto and strategic locations across Igbokoda to boost economic activities and improve living standards.
Other notable achievements include the 85% completion of 1,000 metres of concrete walkways in Obe-Nla to enhance accessibility and safety, and the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Ugbo-Nla, which is also 85% completed and positioned as a strategic investment in skills development and the blue economy.
On accountability and oversight, Prince Poroye disclosed that the Board undertook extensive inspection tours of projects across OSOPADEC mandate areas and ensured prompt mobilization and payment of contractors, including those handling key projects such as the Omuro International Market, Ugbo-Nla. He added that the Commission has also initiated shoreline protection and reclamation plans in Ayetoro and other vulnerable communities, with Obe-Nla approved as a pilot project.
Lastly Prince Poroye noted that OSOPADEC is investing massively in agriculture, banking and sports industry to serve as alternative means of revenue generation for the agency.
Prince Poroye expressed profound appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support and commended Board members, management, and staff for their dedication to delivering meaningful development to oil-producing communities.
By Isaac Afolabi.