Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and sustainable growth in oil-producing communities, particularly Ilaje and Ese-Odo, describing them as vital to the economic wellbeing of Ondo State and Nigeria.
The governor made this known while addressing stakeholders at the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission Stakeholders’ Summit held in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.
He noted that the summit goes beyond routine engagement, describing it as “a strategic platform for dialogue, reflection, and alignment,” stressing that development must be “participatory, transparent, and accountable to the people it is meant to serve.”
Reiterating his administration’s vision, Aiyedatiwa said it is anchored on “inclusive economic growth, infrastructural development, human capital advancement, environmental sustainability, and good governance,” with the goal of building “a state where prosperity is shared, opportunities are accessible, and no community is left behind.”
Emphasising the importance of the commission’s mandate areas, he stated:
“We recognize the critical importance of Ilaje and Ese-Odo… whose contributions to the economic wellbeing of our state and the nation cannot be overstated.”
He assured residents of sustained government support, adding:
“To the good people of Ilaje and Ese-Odo, I assure you that this administration remains fully committed to your development. We will continue to support OSOPADEC in delivering on its mandate and ensuring that resources meant for your development are utilized efficiently and transparently.”
Highlighting ongoing interventions, he pointed to improvements in healthcare, school rehabilitation, road construction, rural electrification, and maritime education as evidence of progress, noting that these align with his administration’s priorities in healthcare, education, infrastructure, economic diversification, and security.
In his address, the Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Biyi Poroye, outlined key achievements since the inauguration of the current board in June 2025, underscoring the commission’s commitment to accountability and impactful service delivery.
“This gathering provides an important platform for reflection, accountability, and collaboration as we align our collective vision toward transforming our oil-producing communities into hubs of inclusive growth and prosperity,” he said.
He revealed that a major milestone was the development of a comprehensive Baseline Report for Ilaje and Ese-Odo, described as “a credible framework for data-driven planning and evaluation.”
The chairman added that the commission is positioning the region for global relevance through a planned International Conference on Climate Change aimed at boosting resilience and unlocking opportunities in the blue economy.
Highlighting sectoral achievements, he said:
“In healthcare, the completion of the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon has significantly improved access to quality medical services.”
He further noted:
“In education, we renovated 21 schools, paid scholarships and bursaries, and secured approval for the completion of three student hostels.”
On infrastructure, he disclosed that “the Aboto–Atijere Road is 50% complete, the Obe-Nla walkway is at 85%, while the Maritime School at Ugbo-Nla is nearing completion.”
The commission also recorded progress in rural electrification, including the installation of transformers in Aboto and Igbokoda, alongside ongoing investments in markets, water schemes, and security infrastructure.
He further revealed that the commission disbursed ₦400 million in relief following the October 2025 crisis and has strengthened partnerships with private sector players to drive economic sustainability and job creation.
The summit, themed “Driving Inclusive Development through Stakeholders’ Collaboration and Accountability,” brought together government officials, community leaders, and development partners to chart a path for sustainable development in Ondo State’s oil-producing areas.
