Aiyedatiwa Unveils Fresh Infrastructure Projects, Promises Land Reclamation for Ilaje Communities
By Olusegun HOSEA
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the state’s riverine communities with the commissioning of a one-kilometre concrete walkway and a potable water supply scheme in Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area, alongside the flag-off of a new three-kilometre concrete walkway project.
Speaking during the ceremony on Saturday, the governor also assured residents that his administration would embark on land reclamation projects to create more habitable land in vulnerable coastal communities, describing the initiative as part of efforts to tackle the unique challenges facing the riverine areas.
Aiyedatiwa said the projects reflected his administration’s resolve to ensure that every part of the state benefits from development regardless of geographical location, stressing that equitable infrastructure development remains a key component of the state’s EASE agenda.
According to him, the newly commissioned projects are practical interventions designed to improve the lives of residents by providing safer movement, better access to social services and improved economic opportunities.
He noted that many riverine communities had relied on unsafe wooden walkways for decades, making movement difficult and exposing residents to avoidable dangers.
The governor explained that while some may consider the projects modest, they hold significant value for the people of the riverine communities who understand the daily challenges associated with swampy terrain.
He described the completed concrete walkway as a pathway that would enhance safety, improve mobility and stimulate commercial activities in the community.
Aiyedatiwa also commissioned a rehabilitated potable water scheme developed from a previously abandoned borehole inherited from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The project includes the rehabilitation of the borehole by the Ondo State Water Corporation, installation of a 50,000-litre elevated overhead storage tank, an extensive water reticulation network and a reverse osmosis water treatment facility to provide safe drinking water for Obe-Nla and neighbouring communities.
The governor highlighted other ongoing projects in the riverine areas, including the 38.5-kilometre Aboto-Atijere Road, General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon, the two-million-gallon-per-day water sedimentation tank at Aboto, the mini water scheme at Molutehin and several OSOPADEC projects.
He also listed the ongoing 8.5-kilometre dual carriageway from College Road to Okitipupa Junction through Irewole Roundabout in Igbokoda, the Igbokoda-Okitipupa dual carriageway, as well as newly awarded road projects linking Irele, Sabo, Mahin, Ugbo and other communities.
The governor further assured residents of Ayetoro and other shoreline settlements that the state government was collaborating with the Federal Government and development partners, including HITECH, to tackle coastal erosion, flooding and sea incursion.
Earlier, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, described the projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to delivering meaningful infrastructure in riverine communities.
He disclosed that the new three-kilometre concrete walkway had been redesigned with increased width to accommodate canoes and would be constructed using reinforced concrete beams and 250mm diameter pipes.
In his address, the Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, said the commissioning marked the fulfilment of the government’s promise to the people of the oil-producing communities.
Poroye said the commission had continued to channel available resources into impactful projects, citing bursary and scholarship awards to 4,873 students from Ilaje and Ese-Odo, monthly stipends for traditional rulers, senior citizens and vulnerable persons, as well as support for youths involved in maritime security operations.
He listed completed projects to include the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon, Igbotu Township Road, Obe-Nla concrete walkway and several concrete landing walkways across Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
The OSOPADEC chairman also expressed concern over the increasing effects of climate change on coastal communities, particularly Ayetoro, Idi-Ogba, Gbagira, Awoye, Mese and Abereke.
To attract international support, he announced that OSOPADEC would participate in the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, where it would host an OSOPADEC Pavilion to showcase the environmental challenges confronting Ondo’s coastal communities and seek partnerships for climate resilience.
He further disclosed that the commission would organise the OSOPADEC International Conference on Climate Change in Abuja in March 2027 to mobilise stakeholders towards sustainable solutions for coastal development.
Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Moris Oripanye, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the interventions and reaffirmed the support of the people for his administration.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
