My mission as OSOPADEC Chairman is to transform the mandate areas, not to embezzle funds, Poroye tells Ondo Assembly Committee on OSOPADEC
_”OSOPADEC fund is a ‘Wealth of the Sea” (ọrọ inu okun), it is a God’s blessing for His people, whoever embezzles it will pay for it whether directly or indirectly after leaving the office”_
The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, has stated that his mission as OSOPADEC Chairman is to work assiduously, and ensure that the mandate areas are rapidly developed. He however, noted that his mission is not to embezzle or mismanage the Commission’s funds, assured that every kobo collected by the Commission under his leadership will be transparently accounted for and judiciously utilized.
He gave this assurance on Wednesday while receiving members of the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on OSOPADEC during a familiarisation visit to the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Oba-Ile.
Prince Poroye emphasised the agency’s resolute commitment to accountability, transparency, and the prudent management of resources in fulfilling its mandate to the people of Ondo State.
He said, “OSOPADEC fund is a ‘Wealth of the Sea” (ọrọ inu okun), it’s a God’s blessing for His people, whoever embezzles it will pay for it whether directly or indirectly after leaving the office”
Welcoming the delegation, he highlighted the importance of maintaining a cordial and collaborative relationship with the legislature. According to him, the engagement presented an opportunity to accelerate interventions in OSOPADEC projects and ensure all round development.
He commended the lawmakers for their diligence in carrying out oversight functions and urged them to provide caution and guidance in delivering impactful projects across oil-producing areas.
“Mr Chairman, you will agree with me that your assignment is not only about oversight but also about offering constructive guidance where necessary. One of the things I appreciate most in life is to be corrected and guided because no one knows it all, and I believe an ideal society can be built when we work together.”
Reiterating his commitment to reform and progress, the Executive Chairman assured the lawmakers of the Commission’s readiness to work closely with the committee to deliver tangible results.
“By the time we leave here, we will leave it better than we met it. I assure you of our partnership in progress and sound cooperation. Since we came on board, we have discovered certain issues. But as a trained professional, I prefer to first tour our projects to assess them thoroughly. Only then can we introduce reforms that will improve the system,” he added.
Prince Poroye concluded by inviting the committee to actively contribute and partner with Memphis Microfinance Bank a financial institution owned by OSOPADEC as a strategic move to further strengthen the collaborative bond between the house and OSOPADEC.
He emphasized that such partnerships would not only enhance financial inclusion and economic empowerment within the region but also foster mutual trust and sustained development between all stakeholders.
Reacting, the Chairman of the ODHA House Committee on OSOPADEC, Hon. Primate Toyin Allen, congratulated the newly inaugurated chairman and board members praising them for their planned innovative programmes and purposeful leadership since assumption of office.
Hon. Allen, speaking on behalf of the committee, pledged the legislature’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and strategic partnership with the Commission with emphasis that this collaboration would be directed toward implementing impactful projects and development initiatives specifically designed to enhance the living standards and overall well-being of the people residing within the Commission’s mandate areas.
He further assured that the legislature would provide the necessary support, resources, and oversight to ensure the success and continuity of these efforts.
Committee members present were: Hon. Princess Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu (Vice Chairman,Ilaje II); Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi (Odigbo I); Hon. Kolawole Ologede (Akure North); Hon. Raymond Daodu (Akoko Southwest I); and Hon. Tope Agbulu (Akoko Southwest II).
