Aiyedatiwa Pushes Inclusive Development Agenda as OSOPADEC Unveils Progress at Stakeholders’ Summit
16th April, 2026
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development in oil-producing communities, as the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission showcased key achievements and future plans at its stakeholders’ summit.
Speaking at the summit held in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, the governor described the gathering as a strategic platform to deepen collaboration, transparency and accountability in the development of mandate areas, particularly Ilaje and Ese-Odo. He emphasized that his administration’s vision is anchored on shared prosperity, infrastructural expansion, human capital development and environmental sustainability.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the contributions of oil-producing communities to the state and national economy must be matched with tangible development, assuring residents that no community would be left behind. He commended OSOPADEC for aligning its programmes with the state’s broader development agenda, particularly its adoption of data-driven planning through a baseline report for the mandate areas.
Highlighting Ondo’s coastal advantage, the governor stressed the need to harness opportunities in the blue economy while addressing climate change, coastal erosion and environmental degradation. He also pointed to ongoing interventions in healthcare, education, road construction, rural electrification and maritime education as evidence of government’s commitment to improving livelihoods.
The governor further called on community leaders, investors and development partners to strengthen collaboration with government, noting that sustainable development requires collective responsibility and trust.
OSOPADEC Chairman Remarks
In his address, the Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC said the commission has recorded significant milestones since the inauguration of its board in June 2025, with a focus on impactful projects and institutional reforms.
He disclosed that a comprehensive baseline report has been developed to guide planning and evaluation, while an international conference on climate change is being planned to position the region within global discussions on resilience and economic opportunities.
Providing a breakdown of achievements, the chairman said the commission has improved healthcare delivery with the completion of a general hospital in Agadagba-Obon, while 21 schools have been renovated under its education interventions. He added that scholarships and bursaries have been paid, with approvals secured for additional student hostels.
On infrastructure, he revealed that the Aboto–Atijere Road project has reached 50 per cent completion, while the Obe-Nla walkway is at 85 per cent. The Maritime School in Ugbo-Nla, he noted, is nearing completion to support skills development in the marine sector.
He also highlighted progress in rural electrification, installation of transformers in key communities, and the execution of projects such as markets, water schemes, landing walkways and security checkpoints aimed at boosting economic activities and safety.
The chairman further disclosed that OSOPADEC has strengthened its investment drive through partnerships, including Coastville Global Resources Limited, to promote job creation and long-term economic sustainability.
He added that staff welfare has improved with the promotion of 124 officers, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and sustained capacity-building programmes, while institutional reforms have enhanced operational efficiency and investor confidence.
On crisis response, the commission said it provided ₦400 million in relief following the October 2025 crisis and continues to address infrastructure gaps across the mandate areas.
Both the governor and the OSOPADEC leadership expressed optimism that deliberations at the summit would yield actionable outcomes to accelerate development in Ondo State’s riverine communities.
