Residents of communities troubled by ocean surge in the riverine area of Ondo State can now hope to wriggle out of the challenges soon as
Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), has promised to reclam all communities ravaged by ocean surge in the state’s coastal area.
Hon Biyi Poroye, the vommission’s Executive chairman, made the promise on Tuesday while briefing newsmen on the challenges and successes of his administration in his last six months of assumption of office.
According to him, plans have been are already finalized on the reclamation of some communities in Ese-Odo, and Ilaje Local Government Areas, including Obe-Nla, which is almost washed off by ocean surge.
Also, Poroye explained that his administration is working on the completion of all abandoned projects he met when he assumed office before awarding new projects.
He described as waste of resources the culture of awarding fresh projects by previous administrations and abandoning projects of their predecessors.
According to him, at least, 21 abandoned projects were met in primary and secondary schools in the communities.
He promised that all the projects would be completed before embarking a fresh one.
Besides, the OSOPADEC boss disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been supportive as he approved all proposals of the commission for implementation.
He said the Hospital at Agadagba Oboh, Ese-Odo Local Government Area, was near completion, promising that all necessary equipment would be provided in the hospital.
Poroye said: Accountability has always been our guiding principle. In line with this, upon assuming office, the Board conducted extensive project tours across OSOPADEC’s mandate areas to ensure thorough oversight and scrutiny.
His words, “We prioritized the mobilization and timely payment of our contractors, including star projects such as the Omuro International Market in Ugbo-Nla, because sustainable economic development must be tangibly felt in markets, livelihoods, and the growth of local enterprise.
“Moreover, in response to the pressing challenges of climate change, sea incursion and coastal erosion, the Commission has initiated strategic plans for shoreline protection and reclamation in Ayetoro and other affected communities.
“Recognizing that development must be both rapid and sustainable, Mr. Governor has approved the construction of a shoreline protection and reclamation project at Obe-Nla as a pilot initiative to evaluate and refine the technology before broader deployment.
“Finally, we turned our focus inward, recognizing that institutions are only as strong as the people who serve them. Guided by the Governor’s vision of a responsive and efficient public service, we implemented comprehensive capacity-building programmes, facilitated well-deserved staff promotions and training as well as enhanced welfare provisions, all reinforced by a Board and Management Retreat hosted in October this year, to sharpen focus, strengthen collaboration, and align our collective purpose as a Commission.”
The OSOPADEC chairman reeled out some of the programmes and projects implemented.
According to him, “The 2023/2024 OSOPADEC scholarships and bursaries were fully disbursed to eligible students from oil-producing areas, easing financial burdens and reaffirming a timeless truth that education remains the cornerstone of national development.
“We also understood that communities cannot grow if they remain disconnected. In advancing the Urban and Rural Development component of the OUR EASE Agenda, we prioritized infrastructure that opens doors to commerce and connectivity.
“The construction of 28.5km Aboto–Atijere Road is on the verge of completion. Preparations have been concluded for the 4.72km Ugbo-Nla–Erunna Road, this particular road will strengthen movement, trade, and social integration along our coastal corridor.”
Meanwhile, Poroye disclosed that the Commission would invest massively in tourism in tandem with the plans of the government to open up the coastal line of the state.
He noted that such investment would be additional source of income generation to the Commission, particularly when there’s fall in the derivation accruing to the state.
