By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) on Monday defended its proposed N33 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

It will be recalled that a few days ago, the Ondo State House of Assembly at a plenary referred the N33 billion budget to the Ad-hoc Committee on OSOPADEC for thorough scrutiny.

In his address, the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on OSOPADEC, Allen Oluwatoyin, stated that the committee would painstakingly review the budget to ensure no detail is overlooked, thereby guaranteeing the effective performance of the Commission.

He further advised that, following the budget’s passage, there should be continuous monitoring and evaluation. He added that the ministry of economic planning and budget should ensure quarterly visits to OSOPADEC to assess the level of implementation.

OSOPADEC Secretary, Mrs Abike Bayo Ilawole, emphasised that the budget process and its eventual approval are crucial for enabling the Commission to continue delivering on its mandate effectively and efficiently.

She noted that in 2024, the Commission was allocated N16.5 billion. Despite prevailing economic challenges, OSOPADEC recorded commendable achievements in the execution of key projects and programmes. These included the completion and commissioning of the 32.725km Alape Junction to Araromi Seaside Road,a transformative infrastructure linking communities to economic hubs,the construction of a 1km township road at Igbotu, and the distribution of 2,000 sets of twin lockers (desks and chairs) along with essential textbooks, among others.

Ilawole stressed that the 2025 budget proposal was meticulously prepared, taking into account the Commission’s strategic objectives, the specific needs of the communities it serves, and the broader developmental agenda of the current administration.

“This proposal includes detailed plans for infrastructure development, educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and other critical projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the oil-producing areas.

“The proposed budget reflects a bold and renewed commitment to deepening impact and fostering inclusive growth in line with the ‘OUR EASE Agenda’ of the Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

She affirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent resource management. “We assure you that this budget proposal was crafted with these principles in mind and aligns with the overarching goals the Aiyedatiwa’s administration for sustainable development and economic growth in Ondo State.”

Ilawole also appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his exemplary leadership in fiscal discipline and his efforts to reduce the state’s debt burden, which, she noted, has had a positive multiplier effect on OSOPADEC.

Reacting, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Stephen Aworere, described the 2025 OSOPADEC budget as a bold step by Governor Aiyedatiwa to tackle infrastructural deficits in the Commission’s mandate areas. He expressed confidence that the 2025 budget would surpass the achievements of the previous year.

He revealed that the Ministry had reviewed the technical aspects of the budget, ensuring compliance with the national chart of accounts and alignment with national priorities.