OSOPADEC Spends N4 bn on Abandoned Projects in Ondo Oil Communities for One‑Year Anniversary

— Aiyedatiwa to commission projects

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has spent more than N4 billion to finish abandoned and inherited projects in the state’s oil‑producing communities.

Chairman Prince Biyi Poroye announced the figure at the official flag‑off of the 1‑kilometre Sabomi Township Road in Ilaje Local Government, an event that marked the first anniversary of his tenure.

Poroye explained that OSOPADEC has adopted a policy of completing inherited and abandoned works before launching new ones, arguing that continuity is essential for sustainable development in the commission’s mandate areas.

“Exactly one year ago, we accepted the responsibility of leading OSOPADEC with a promise that the resources entrusted to us would be translated into visible projects, improved livelihoods and renewed hope for our people,” he said. “Today, we can confidently say we have kept faith with that promise.”

The chairman said the Sabomi Township Road, awarded at N1.4 billion, will enhance access to markets, schools, health facilities and economic opportunities for residents of the riverine community.

He listed projects completed in the past year and ready for the governor’s commissioning, including the General Hospital at Agadagba‑Obon, the 1‑kilometre Igbotu Township Road, a 1,000‑metre concrete walkway with jetty at Obenla, and concrete landing walkways at Oberewoye, Obe Ogbaro, Obe Magbe and Obe Lomore.

OSOPADEC has also launched construction of a Naval Security Post with walkways at Atijere. Ongoing works include the Aboto‑Atijere Road, Omuro International Market in Ode‑Ugbo, the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics in Ugbo‑Nla, and a concrete sedimentation tank at the Aboto Water Treatment Plant.

Aluko Dipo, the commission’s Director of Project Monitoring, detailed OSOPADEC’s financial commitments. He said completed projects accounted for over N4 billion in budget execution.

“We are talking about billions of naira. The concrete landing walkways average between N45 million and N50 million each, and we have completed four of them. The Obenla concrete walkway alone cost N1.7 billion and has been completed,” Dipo said.

Adewale Omomowo, the commission’s Permanent Secretary, praised the board for replacing unsafe wooden walkways with durable concrete structures fitted with solar‑powered streetlights.

“This concrete walkway is very impressive. Unlike in the past when we used planks, this is much more enjoyable. With the solar lights and the one‑kilometre walkway, it shows that Mr. Governor is truly interested in the welfare of his people,” Omomowo said.

He added that the commission’s focus on continuity was commendable, noting, “One thing that impressed me was the resolve to complete projects already on the ground before starting new ones. That is the kind of continuity every government should embrace.”

At the Aboto Water Treatment Plant, Engineer Ibrahim Dashin said the commission is constructing a concrete sedimentation tank to replace an ageing steel facility affected by corrosion. He said the project would improve water quality and expand access to potable water in several communities.

“The treatment plant currently serves almost six communities. We have not yet fully utilised the plant’s two‑million‑gallon capacity, and once more communities are connected, more people will benefit,” Dashin said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sabomi Kingdom’s traditional ruler, Oba Felix Adeyemi Koledoye, described the road project as a long‑awaited intervention. He said, “For years, this road lay in ruins, cutting Sabomi and other Apoi communities off from urban centres. This road, when completed, will reconnect our people to markets, hospitals, schools and other opportunities.”

Obenla Community Chairman John Alomore said the new concrete walkway had brought relief. “This is the first concrete bridge built for us in Ilaje. The wooden bridge we had before often caused accidents and injuries. We are happy and grateful for this development,” he said, while appealing for staff and equipment for the community health centre.

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