The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has completed key abandoned and inherited projects worth over N4 billion across oil-producing communities in the state, while also flagging off a N1.4 billion road project in Ilaje local government area.
Chairman of the commission, Prince Olabiyi Poroye, disclosed this during the official flag-off of the one-kilometre Sabomi Township Road project as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the current board.
Poroye said the Commission deliberately prioritised the completion of inherited and abandoned projects before embarking on new ones, stressing that continuity in governance remains vital to sustainable development in the mandate areas.
According to him, the board has remained committed to delivering on its promise of translating resources into visible projects, improved livelihoods and renewed hope for residents of the oil-producing communities.
“Exactly one year ago, we accepted the responsibility of leading OSOPADEC with a promise that the resources entrusted to us would be translated into visible projects, improved livelihoods and renewed hope for our people. Today, we can confidently say that we have kept faith with that promise,” he said.
The chairman noted that the newly flagged-off N1.4 billion Sabomi Township Road would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and economic opportunities for residents of the riverine community.
He listed projects completed and awaiting commissioning by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to include the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon, the one-kilometre Igbotu Township Road, the 1,000-metre concrete walkway with jetty at Obenla, as well as concrete landing walkways at Oberewoye, Obe Ogbaro, Obe Magbe and Obe Lomore.
Poroye explained that the Obenla concrete walkway was one of the major projects inherited by the present board, adding that it was completed through close monitoring and collaboration with contractors and host communities despite initial challenges.
“Today, this is one of the projects we inherited. We did not say we inherited it and go and start our own because the community is one and the people are the same. We ensured that we followed up with the contractor until the project was completed,” he stated.
The director of Project Monitoring, Aluko Dipo, disclosed that the completed projects accounted for over N4 billion in budget execution. He said the Obenla concrete walkway alone cost about N1.7 billion, while four concrete landing walkways were completed at costs ranging between N45 million and N50 million each.
