OSRC, OSOPADEC PARTNER TO SPOTLIGHT COASTAL CHALLENGES, DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
Efforts to strengthen public awareness on development initiatives and attract greater attention to the environmental challenges facing Ondo State’s coastal communities received a boost on Tuesday as the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) agreed to deepen collaboration for sustainable development.
The renewed partnership was unveiled when the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of OSRC, Mr. Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, led the corporation’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, at the Commission’s headquarters in Akure.
Speaking during the meeting, Prince Poroye described the media as a critical stakeholder in governance and development, stressing that transparency, accountability and effective communication are indispensable to delivering meaningful impact to the people.
He commended OSRC for its professionalism and remarkable growth, noting that the state-owned media organisation has continued to play a significant role in informing, educating and mobilising citizens.
According to him, OSOPADEC places high premium on publicity because of the vital role the media plays in projecting government activities and ensuring that developmental interventions reach the consciousness of the people.
“We do not joke with publicity because we recognise the important role the media plays in informing the public and projecting the activities of government institutions. Having one of the fastest-growing media organisations in the state visit us today is a privilege,” Poroye said.
The Chairman disclosed that as the Commission approaches its first anniversary in office, efforts are being intensified to strengthen partnerships capable of expanding development opportunities across oil-producing communities.
He also raised concerns over the worsening environmental situation in Aiyetoro and other vulnerable coastal settlements, warning that sea incursion and climate change continue to threaten lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
Poroye maintained that practical solutions already exist to address the crisis, adding that what is required is collective commitment, strategic collaboration and adequate funding to implement them.
“There is no rocket science about solving Aiyetoro’s problem. Similar solutions have worked elsewhere across the world. With the necessary commitment and resources, we can protect the community and restore hope to the people,” he said.
To attract international support, the OSOPADEC Chairman revealed plans to convene a global conference later in the year in either Lagos or Abuja. He explained that the conference would bring together environmental experts, donor agencies, development partners, policymakers and other stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions to coastal degradation and climate-induced challenges.
Earlier, the OSRC Director-General, Mr. Odusola-Stevenson, described the relationship between both institutions as one anchored on public service, accountability and community development.
He commended OSOPADEC for its interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and social welfare programmes across the mandate areas, noting that development efforts must be complemented by effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
“As a public broadcasting institution, OSRC recognises the importance of communicating development efforts to the people. We believe that both organisations share common objectives aimed at improving the welfare of our communities,” he said.
Odusola-Stevenson pledged robust media support for the Commission’s programmes through OSRC’s television, radio and digital platforms, assuring that the corporation would continue to provide extensive coverage of projects, public enlightenment campaigns and stakeholder engagements.
The OSRC delegation also applauded Prince Poroye’s recent visit to Aiyetoro, describing it as a bold intervention that renewed national and international attention on the plight of the historic coastal community.
According to the delegation, the visit rekindled hope among residents and strengthened advocacy efforts for lasting solutions to the devastating effects of sea incursion. :::
