OSOPADEC, Ondo govt clear water hyacinth in Ilaje, Ese-Odo waterways

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has begun a major clearance of water hyacinth choking waterways in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas to ease transportation, revive fishing activities and boost economic activities in the riverine communities.

The exercise, which started on Monday, November 2, 2026, is being carried out in collaboration with the Ondo State Government following growing complaints from residents over the obstruction of waterways by the invasive aquatic plants.

The Executive Director, Projects, OSOPADEC, Mallam Mallon Ogbaro, who represented the commission’s Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, during an inspection of the operation, said the intervention was aimed at addressing the difficulties confronting residents of the affected communities.

Ogbaro said the initiative reflected the commitment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration and the Poroye-led OSOPADEC board to improving the living conditions of people in the oil-producing areas.

He said, “We received several complaints and appeals from communities whose waterways had been overtaken by these aquatic weeds. The situation has become particularly challenging because fishing is the major occupation of our people, while waterways remain their principal means of transportation.

“We are responding to these concerns to restore their livelihoods, ensure free movement and improve their daily activities.”

The OSOPADEC official assured residents that the exercise would be sustained, subject to available budgetary provisions, adding that the commission would continue to engage the state government on the need to extend the intervention to other communities requiring assistance.

Also speaking, the Director of Water, Waterways and Environmental Control, Engr. Goke Aworetan, said the clearance operation was ongoing in several communities, including Imoluwa, Igbo-Egunren, Mahintedo, Alape, Ibila, Oropo, Sabomi, Ipoke, Biagbini, Oboro, Inikorogha, Fiyebrasintei, Ukparama and Arogbo.

Aworetan said the blockage of waterways had significantly affected navigation, fishing and commercial activities, making it difficult for residents to move between communities and transport their goods. He added that the intervention would ease the movement of timber to markets, facilitate the evacuation of agricultural produce and improve connectivity, particularly between Atijere and Igbokoda.

He said clearing the waterways would not only restore access for fishermen and other water users but also stimulate trade, improve productivity and provide a boost to the local economy.