OSOPADEC, Marine and Blue Economy Office Set Up Seven Committees to Boost Ondo Coastal Economy
By Olusegun HOSEA
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and the Office of the Senior Special Adviser on Marine and Blue Economy have inaugurated seven strategic committees to drive the development of the state’s coastal economy and harness its vast marine resources for sustainable growth.
The committees were inaugurated on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the OSOPADEC Headquarters in Oba-Ile, Akure, under the theme, “Unlocking Economic Opportunities Along the Ondo State Coastline through Strategic Collaboration.”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, described the partnership as a major step toward transforming Ondo State into a leading hub for marine and blue economy development.
Poroye said the collaboration reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s natural resources while creating employment, attracting investment and improving the livelihoods of people living in riverine communities.
He commended the Senior Special Adviser on Marine and Blue Economy, Engineer Olu Aladenusi, for championing policies that promote environmental sustainability, effective resource management and community development.
According to him, the success of the initiative will depend on the commitment, integrity and professionalism of members of the newly inaugurated committees.
“This collaboration is timely, strategic and necessary. It is not only important for Ondo State but for Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Also speaking, Aladenusi lauded OSOPADEC for its developmental interventions across the oil-producing communities, noting that the Marine and Blue Economy Office was established to formulate and implement policies aimed at improving waterway security, protecting marine resources and promoting sustainable economic growth.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen policy coordination, enhance knowledge sharing and position Ondo State’s coastline as a major centre for maritime investment and economic activities.
The highlight of the meeting was the inauguration of seven sub-committees by the OSOPADEC Chairman. The committees include the Maritime Protocol and Safety Enforcement Committee, Fishery and Aquaculture Development Committee, Maritime Education and Skills Acquisition Committee, Environmental and Wildlife Protection Committee, Awareness and Enlightenment Committee, Maritime Infrastructure Development Committee, and the Collaboration Steering Committee.
The committees are expected to coordinate programmes and policies designed to maximise the economic potential of Ondo State’s coastline, support investment, strengthen environmental protection and advance Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE agenda on economic diversification and sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of OSOPADEC, Mr. F.A. Omomowo, described the initiative as a significant step toward building a resilient coastal economy capable of creating jobs, attracting investors and improving the standard of living in the state’s riverine communities.
