The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to participatory governance by actively engaging stakeholders in the formulation of its 2026 budget, signaling a shift toward a more inclusive and transparent development framework.
This was the focal point of discussions at the OSOPADEC 2026 Stakeholders’ Summit held on April 15, at Williams Place in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The summit brought together traditional rulers, government officials, development partners, private sector players, and community representatives to deliberate on strategies for sustainable development across the Commission’s mandate areas.
In his address, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, emphasized that the summit was designed as a platform for collaboration, accountability, and collective decision-making. He noted that the Commission’s adoption of a bottom-up approach to budgeting ensures that the needs and aspirations of the people directly shape policy direction and project implementation.
According to him, “this engagement underscores our resolve to align development priorities with the real needs of our communities, while fostering transparency and shared ownership of the development process.”
Poroye used the occasion to present a comprehensive scorecard of the Commission’s activities since the inauguration of the current Board in June 2025, highlighting key milestones across critical sectors. Central to these achievements is the development of a Baseline Report for Ilaje and Ese-Odo, which he described as a vital tool for data-driven planning and performance evaluation.
He also disclosed plans to host an international conference on climate change, aimed at positioning the region within global climate resilience discussions and unlocking opportunities in the blue economy.
In the health sector, the Chairman announced the completion of the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon, a project expected to significantly improve access to quality healthcare services.
In education, he revealed that 21 schools had been renovated—13 of which have been completed—while scholarships and bursaries for the 2023/2024 academic session have been fully paid. Approval has also been secured for the completion of three student hostels.
Infrastructure development remains a key priority, with the Aboto–Atijere Road project currently at 50 percent completion, while the Obe-Nla walkway stands at 85 percent. The Maritime School at Ugbo-Nla, designed to support skills development and boost the blue economy, is also nearing completion.
Poroye further highlighted progress in rural electrification, including ongoing projects in Ilumeje-Atijere and the installation of transformers in Aboto and Igbokoda. Additional interventions include the advancement of the Omuro International Market, the award of 18 landing walkways, initiation of water schemes, market upgrades, and the establishment of security checkpoints with landing jetties to enhance safety in riverine communities.
On economic sustainability, the Chairman noted that OSOPADEC has strengthened its investment drive through Coastville Global Resources Limited, aimed at diversifying revenue streams, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term growth.
He also underscored efforts at institutional strengthening, revealing that 124 staff members have been promoted, while salaries and pensions are being paid regularly. Capacity-building initiatives have been sustained, new departments established, and longstanding disputes resolved, moves he said have improved operational efficiency and boosted investor confidence.
Addressing crisis response efforts, Poroye disclosed that the Commission provided ₦400 million in relief following the October 2025 crisis, alongside ongoing interventions to address critical infrastructure challenges. Strategic partnerships with organizations such as Coastville Global Resources Limited and Memphis Microfinance Bank are also expanding opportunities for economic empowerment within the region.
Looking ahead, he outlined a robust pipeline of projects spanning roads, healthcare facilities, shoreline protection, security infrastructure, and student accommodation. Plans are also underway to commence the clearing of waterways in Ilaje and Ese-Odo to enhance both economic activities and environmental sustainability.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, commended OSOPADEC for its commitment to inclusive governance and development. He described the summit as a strategic platform that reinforces the importance of transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement in governance.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s alignment with the state’s broader development agenda, particularly its focus on data-driven planning, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that oil-producing communities in Ilaje and Ese-Odo benefit from tangible and sustainable development, while calling on all stakeholders to deepen collaboration with government at all levels.
“Development is a shared responsibility,” he said, urging continued partnership, trust, and accountability among all actors.
The summit concluded with a renewed call for unity and sustained engagement among stakeholders, as OSOPADEC continues to position its mandate areas as hubs of inclusive growth, resilience, and prosperity.
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