Era of abandoned projects over in oil communities – Poroye

By Precious Oluwole

Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has assured that the era of abandoned projects in oil-producing communities of the state is over.

Poroye gave the assurance on Monday at a strategic meeting with contractors held at the Commission’s headquarters in Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government.

“OSOPADEC will be 25 years old next year, yet the achievements of the Commission do not match its age. That must change,” the Chairman said to applause from the audience. “We are introducing systemic principles where the system works for itself. This is our vision and our passion.”

He said the Commission was repositioning to fully deliver on its mandate of transforming oil-bearing areas of the state, stressing the need for both the agency and contractors to embrace a new work culture.

“Let’s add energy to this business. We cannot continue to do things the old way and expect different results,” the Chairman urged.

Poroye assured contractors that payment delays, which had slowed down project completion in the past, would no longer be an obstacle.

“Money for the contractors will not be a problem,” he declared. “Contractors cannot be blamed for non-completion of projects because many were not paid as and when due. We are changing that narrative.”

He disclosed that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa had renewed his administration’s commitment to timely release of funds to OSOPADEC to fast-track projects across oil-producing communities.

The meeting, attended by the Executive Directors for Projects and Finance, a Non-Executive Board Member and senior management staff, also reviewed progress on ongoing works and identified challenges. Poroye reiterated that his goal was to make OSOPADEC a model of efficiency and transparency ahead of its 25th anniversary.

“Our people in the oil-producing areas deserve better; we will work with you to succeed by ensuring that every project we start is completed, functional and beneficial to our people,” he said.

Some contractors at the meeting commended the Chairman’s assurances, describing them as “a breath of fresh air” and the first time in years that their concerns were openly acknowledged with practical solutions promised.