The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has reeled out its performance record and unveiled fresh development initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of oil-bearing communities in the state.
This was disclosed at a stakeholders’ summit held in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, where government officials, community leaders and development partners gathered to assess progress and discuss future plans for Ilaje and Ese-Odo areas.
Addressing participants, the commission’s Executive Chairman, Biyi Poroye, said the forum was designed to promote transparency, evaluate ongoing projects and deepen collaboration for sustainable development.
He noted that since the current board assumed office in June 2025, the commission had prioritised interventions across key sectors, including the compilation of a baseline data report to guide policy decisions.
“We have focused on impactful projects that directly improve the lives of our people, while ensuring that our planning is backed by credible data,” he said.
Poroye listed some of the commission’s achievements to include the completion of a general hospital in Agadagba-Obon, rehabilitation of public schools, and the settlement of outstanding bursaries and scholarships.
He added that major infrastructure projects, including the Aboto–Atijere Road and the Obe-Nla walkway, were at advanced stages, while work on the Maritime School in Ugbo-Nla was nearing completion.
The chairman further disclosed that the commission had expanded rural electrification efforts, installed transformers in selected communities and embarked on projects such as market development, water supply schemes and security installations in riverine areas.
“We are also strengthening partnerships with private investors to create employment opportunities and boost local economies,” he said.
Poroye also revealed plans to convene an international conference on climate change as part of efforts to position the region for opportunities in the emerging blue economy.
In his remarks, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa commended the commission for aligning its activities with the state’s broader development agenda.
He described the summit as a useful platform for inclusive governance, stressing that development initiatives must reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
“Our administration will continue to prioritise critical sectors and ensure that communities contributing to the state’s economy are not left behind,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability, noting that Ondo State stands to benefit from emerging opportunities in the blue economy.
He urged stakeholders to sustain collaboration with the government to accelerate development and ensure judicious use of resources.
The summit, themed “Driving Inclusive Development through Stakeholders’ Collaboration and Accountability,” attracted traditional rulers, community representatives and other stakeholders, who engaged in discussions aimed at advancing growth in the commission’s mandate areas.
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