OSOPADEC: Reclamation of Riverine Communities Necessary for Safety — Poroye
By Olusegun HOSEA. Akure. ,30th December, 2025
The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, has reiterated the need for the reclamation of riverine communities affected by sea incursion, describing it as essential for safety and sustainable development.
Poroye made this known while presenting his scorecard to journalists at the OSOPADEC boardroom, highlighting the achievements of the commission within his first few months in office. He explained that dredging would be carried out in some areas to enable contractors to access project sites, noting that proper land reclamation would, in most cases, eliminate the need for repeated dredging.
According to him, the commission believes in transparency and accountability, stressing that its engagement with the media was part of efforts to showcase its activities and the support received from the Ondo State Governor. He stated that since assuming office in mid-June, the management had operated with a clear sense of direction, teamwork, and strategic planning.
Poroye emphasized that OSOPADEC’s operations align with the governor’s development agenda, which he described as people-focused. He acknowledged challenges such as opposition and distractions but maintained that the commission had continued to make steady progress.
One of the early achievements of the administration, he said, was the resolution of a long-standing legal dispute involving OSOPADEC and coastville Global Resources a commercial arm of Commission. Through dialogue and maturity, the matter was settled without prolonged litigation, saving the commission substantial financial resources.
The chairman noted that upon assumption of office, the commission lacked a strong structural foundation, despite recent reforms. With a budget of about ₦33 billion, he explained that major riverine projects could easily consume the entire allocation, hence the need to seek partnerships with international agencies. To this end, OSOPADEC has successfully developed a comprehensive baseline report to support engagement with development partners.
Poroye disclosed that the commission inherited numerous abandoned and ongoing projects, some dating back over a decade. He said priority was given to completing such projects rather than initiating new ones. These include abandoned school buildings, hospitals, and scholarship and bursary backlogs, which were addressed within one month of resumption with the governor’s approval.
Among notable achievements, he listed the completion of the Agadagba Hospital, with plans underway to equip it; renovation and completion of 21 public primary and secondary schools; electrification projects in Ilaje communities; installation of transformers in Aboto and Igbokoda; and shoreline protection and reclamation works in Obenla.
Poroye also highlighted staff welfare and capacity building as key priorities, revealing that 124 eligible staff members had been promoted, while training programmes, seminars, and conferences were approved to enhance productivity and professionalism.
On major infrastructure, he announced progress on road projects, including the Aboto–Atijere Road, which had previously been abandoned due to logistical challenges. He stated that the project had reached about 45 per cent completion, with assurances that it would be completed before the end of next year.
Addressing concerns about riverine erosion and flooding, Poroye said the reclamation of Obenla, Ayetoro, and other riverine communities had received government approval. He explained that land reclamation was a more sustainable solution than continuous dredging, noting that protecting Ayetoro was critical to preventing saltwater intrusion and environmental degradation across the entire riverine area.
He added that OSOPADEC was also diversifying its revenue base through investments in tourism, agriculture, sports, and its microfinance bank, Memphis Bank, to reduce over dependence on oil derivation funds.
Responding to questions from journalists, Poroye assured residents that all approved projects would be executed, urging communities to remain calm and supportive as the commission works toward long-term solutions for development and environmental protection in Ondo State’s oil-producing areas.
In another development, the Chairman, OSOPADEC said the 10th Board Recorded Major Milestones Under his watch.According to him ,the Commission has recorded significant achievements under the leadership of the 10th Board chaired by him as part of efforts to accelerate development across its mandate areas.
The achievements, reviewed as of December 31, 2025, cut across education, infrastructure, staff welfare, security, and community development in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.
Among the notable accomplishments is the payment of the 2023/2024 OSOPADEC Scholarship and Bursary, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human capital development. In the area of staff welfare, 124 eligible officers were promoted, alongside the introduction of a robust welfare package and continuous capacity training for management and staff.
In healthcare delivery, the construction of the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon in Ese-Odo has been completed, marking a major boost to access to quality medical services in riverine communities.
Education and School Infrastructure
The Board has prioritized education with the renovation of 21 public primary and secondary schools across Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs. Thirteen of these projects have been completed, while others are at advanced stages. Schools already completed include St. Jude’s Primary School, Alagbon; UNA Primary School, Obe-Adun/Obe-Nla; Aheri Grammar School, Agerige; and several Local Authority primary schools across the mandate areas.
Additionally, the Commission approved the supply of 4,000 chairs and tables to schools, further improving the learning environment for pupils and students.
Roads, Electrification and Shoreline Protection
In the area of infrastructure, OSOPADEC has made steady progress on several road projects, including:
28.5km Aboto–Atijere Road, currently at 33% completion
4.72km Ugbo-Nla–Erunna Road (Igbokoda–Ayetoro Road Phase III), under processing
1,000 metres concrete walkway at Obe-Nla, 85% completed
Electrification projects were also delivered, including the Ilumeje–Atijere electrification from Igboegunrin through Gbolomi and Igbobi, as well as the installation of five 300KVA and 500KVA transformers in Aboto and parts of Igbokoda.
To address environmental challenges, the Commission initiated the reclamation and shoreline protection of Obe-Nla, as well as reclamation works in Ayetoro and other coastal communities, with award processes currently ongoing.
Maritime, Security and Community Development
A major highlight is the near completion (85%) of the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Ugbo-Nla, affiliated with OAUSTECH, reflecting the Board’s focus on skills acquisition and maritime education.
In 2025, OSOPADEC awarded several strategic contracts, including the construction of naval and police security checkpoints with concrete jetties at Atijere, Ebighan, Apata Boundary, and Odunoyinbo, to enhance security in riverine areas.
Other projects include the completion of Omuro International Market at Ode-Ugbo, construction of a 2-million-gallon-per-day concrete sedimentation tank at Aboto Water Treatment Plant, and reviews of key projects such as the Aboto–Atijere Road and Obe-Nla concrete walkways to reflect current cost realities.
Governance and Institutional Stability
The Board also organized project tours across the mandate areas, as well as a retreat for Board members and management to strengthen governance and policy alignment. As stated above, the long-standing litigation between OSOPADEC and Coastville Global Resources was resolved, with lawyers directed to withdraw the case.
Overall, stakeholders have described the 10th Board’s performance as a reflection of purposeful leadership and renewed commitment to grassroots development in Ondo State’s oil-producing communities.
