OSOPADEC Gives Contractor Two-Month Deadline on Omuro International Market
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has issued a two-month deadline for the completion of the long-abandoned Omuro International Market in Ode-Ugbo, as the commission intensified efforts to complete abandoned and ongoing projects across oil-producing communities before November.
Chairman of the commission, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, disclosed this during an inspection tour of projects in the mandate areas, expressing satisfaction with the renewed pace of work at the market project which had remained stagnant for over 16 years.
Poroye said the commission was initially dissatisfied with the level of work at the site during an earlier visit, but noted that the contractor had now demonstrated seriousness and commitment toward delivering the project within schedule.
“We were not happy with what we met on ground during our last visit, but today, the contractor has shown capacity and seriousness. Personally, I am happy with what I am seeing,” he said.
He added that OSOPADEC would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure timely completion of the project, stressing that the commission remained committed to delivering all outstanding projects before November.
According to him, the Omuro International Market remains a priority project due to its anticipated economic impact on the coastal communities and the wider state economy.
Poroye further revealed that aspects of the market design had been reviewed to accommodate environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly features.
“At a time when the world is increasingly confronted with environmental challenges, we believe development projects must reflect environmental responsibility and sustainability,” he stated.
The OSOPADEC chairman also disclosed that provisions had been made for future expansion of the market in anticipation of increased commercial activities involving local and international traders.
The Olugbo of Ugbo Land, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and OSOPADEC for reviving the project and demonstrating commitment to its completion.
Meanwhile, Poroye expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded on the Aboto–Atijere Road project, noting that the contractor had already completed about 15 kilometres of the road.
He said the pace of work reflected the determination of the state government and the contractor to ensure successful delivery of the project.
On the Aboto Water Project, the OSOPADEC chairman described the over 2MG/day Aboto Water Treatment Plant as strategic to the development of the coastal communities, saying the project would provide potable water to several communities upon completion.
He added that plans were underway to replicate similar water projects in Ese-Odo Local Government Area to improve access to clean water.
Poroye applauded contractors handling projects in difficult riverine terrains, including jetties and walkways, for their resilience and commitment to development in the mandate areas.
He also appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for supporting infrastructural development in the oil-producing communities, noting that the visible progress across project sites would motivate the commission to do more.
