OSOPADEC records infrastructure gains one year after Poroye’s appointment

The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, has highlighted a series of completed and ongoing projects across oil-producing communities in Ondo State as he marked one year in office.

Poroye, who assumed office on June 16, 2025, said the commission had made significant progress in infrastructure development and social intervention projects aimed at improving the living conditions of residents in the mandate areas.

Speaking during an inspection tour of projects executed by the commission, the chairman said the achievements reflected the administration’s commitment to delivering sustainable development and improving the welfare of people in riverine communities.

He explained that one of the first decisions taken by the board after its inauguration was to prioritise the completion of viable inherited projects rather than abandon them, noting that the approach had yielded positive results across the mandate areas.

Among the projects inspected were the completed 1,000-metre concrete walkway at Obe-Nla and concrete landing walkways at Obe-Rewoye, Obe-Ogbaro, Obe-Magbe and Obe-Lomore. According to him, the projects have been completed and are awaiting commissioning.

Poroye said the construction of concrete walkways formed part of the commission’s long-term strategy to replace fragile wooden structures commonly used in riverine communities with safer and more durable alternatives.

At Obe-Nla, the OSOPADEC chairman described the completed walkway project as a symbol of purposeful governance and effective project delivery. He also disclosed plans to designate the community as a pilot location for a proposed land reclamation programme.

The inspection team also visited the Molutehin Mini Water Scheme, which he said had attained about 75 per cent completion. He revealed that contractors had already been mobilised to drill an additional borehole as part of efforts to ensure access to potable water in the area.

Poroye reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to extending essential services to oil-producing communities, adding that the directive of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remained the provision of basic amenities and improved living standards for residents.

Reflecting on the commission’s performance over the past year, he acknowledged challenges, including funding constraints and issues associated with project duplication, but expressed confidence that more developmental projects would be delivered in the coming months.

The chairman commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for creating an enabling environment for development in the mandate areas and also praised OSOPADEC engineers, contractors and host communities for their support and cooperation.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Permanent Secretary of OSOPADEC, Mr F.A. Omomowo, described the projects as impressive and beneficial to the people.

He lauded the state government for its support and urged residents to safeguard public facilities in their communities to ensure the projects continue to serve future generations.