Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a record-breaking N33.8 billion budget for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), marking the highest allocation ever granted to the agency.
The governor disclosed this on Monday in Akure during the inauguration of the newly constituted OSOPADEC Board. He stated that the funding would be channeled toward addressing critical infrastructure deficits and socio-economic challenges in the oil-producing communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.
“This budget will fund vital projects in roads, schools, water supply, health centres, and housing,” Aiyedatiwa announced. “It will also strengthen youth and women empowerment initiatives, scholarship programmes, and skill acquisition centres, in line with our administration’s development blueprint.”
He charged the new Board members to deliver meaningful and visible improvements in the lives of residents of oil-bearing areas, adding that their appointment is a call to serve with integrity, diligence, and selflessness.
Highlighting recent legislative reforms, the governor noted that the amendment of the OSOPADEC Act—signed into law late last year—has repositioned the Commission for improved efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
“This inauguration goes beyond fulfilling statutory requirements; it is a demonstration of our commitment to good governance and transformative development in the mandate areas,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
He also called for strong collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations, and development partners in supporting the Commission’s new leadership.
“This is a bold statement that OSOPADEC will not only function but flourish under this administration. It must deliver a transformation that speaks loudly and visibly in the lives of the people,” the governor added. “Let us work together to build a legacy of prosperity, peace, and progress for Ilaje and Ese-Odo. Let this be the beginning of a new dawn.”
In his response, the newly appointed Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye, expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust and opportunity to serve. He pledged that the Board would live up to its mandate and expectations.
