Gov Aiyedatiwa inaugurates OSOPADEC board, urges selflessness, integrity
By Precious Oluwole
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Monday, inaugurated of the newly constituted Board of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).
Speaking at the event held at Cocoa Conference hall, Alagbaka, Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the occasion is not just a statutory obligation, it is a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to good governance, effective service delivery and impactful development initiatives in the OSOPADEC mandate areas of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.
He added that with the amendment of the OSOPADEC Act signed into Law late last year, the Commission has been fundamentally repositioned, as It is now better equipped to operate with greater efficiency, enhanced transparency and a renewed focus on optimal service delivery.
“This transformation underscores our commitment to fostering sustainable development, inclusivity and improving the lives of the people in oil-producing communities in Ondo State.
“The OSOPADEC Law as amended reflects our firm belief that development institutions must evolve to meet the rising expectations of the people. It streamlines governance structures, improves financial oversight and clearly defines operational responsibilities. More importantly, it empowers the Board to take bold and strategic steps in the execution of its mandate — which is to transform the socio-economic realities of our oil-producing communities”.
The Governor announced that his administration has approved a N33.8billion Naira budget for OSOPADEC for the 2025 fiscal year, demonstrating unwavering resolve to ensure that the people of the oil-producing areas get the full dividends of good governance and development.
He stressed that the budget will fund critical infrastructure deficits such as roads, schools, water projects, health centres and housing. It will also strengthen youths and women empowerment programmes, scholarship schemes and skill acquisition initiatives in line with “OUR EASE” Agenda, which places emphasis on Access, Service and Empowerment.
He urged the new board members to remember that the trust placed in them, after a rigorous selection process that identified them as most suitable for the job is not just a privilege but a sacred responsibility to serve the people with integrity, diligence and selflessness.
He implored them to see their appointment as a call to service. “The expectations of our people are high and rightly so. You must rise above personal interests and commit to collective progress. You are to be vision-driven, people-focused and results-oriented”.
While assuring them of his administration’s full support, the Governor warned that his administration will not indulge excuses of laxity and non-performance as Ondo State can ill afford lethargy in any form, especially in the mandate areas where the impact of oil exploration demands urgent and visible interventions.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, Civil Society Organizations and development partners to fully cooperate with the new Board.
Reacting on behalf of other board members, the new Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye appreciated the Governor for finding them worthy of the position and for the opportunity to serve. He added that they are ready for the task given to them diligently.
The composition of the board is as follows:
- Prince Biyi Olaleye Poroye – Executive Chairman
- Malam Marlon Ogbaro – Executive Director, Finance.
- Dr. Olujimi Kufo – Executive Director, Projects
Non-Executive (part-time) Members:
- Mr. Ola Judah
- Egnr Raphael Adegboye
- Mrs Ronke Bejamin Efurubu
- Mr. Adeyemi Abiye Esq.
- Hon. Bayo Anifowose
- Mr. Lawrence Tibiebi Steven
- Hon. Aderonke Oladun – Rep, South Senatorial.
- Mrs Grace Abebi Aruwajoye – Rep, North Senatorial
- Mr Dele Adenuoye – Rep, Central Senatorial
In attendance were: The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Ayedun, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, Members of the State Executive Council, Members of Ondo State House of Assembly, Director General, Ondo State Media group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Steveson, Local Government, Chairmen, Traditional rulers, permanent secretaries, political appointees, top government functionaries, among others.
