OSOPADEC to Curb Sea Incursion in the mandate areas as Gov. Aiyedatiwa Approves Land and Shoreline Reclamation Projects

OSOPADEC to Curb Sea Incursion in the mandate areas as Gov. Aiyedatiwa Approves Land and Shoreline Reclamation Projects

_…Aiyedatiwa Sets 2026 Agenda to Transform Ilaje, Ese-Odo — Poroye_

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has commenced shoreline protection and land reclamation projects aimed at halting coastal erosion and sea incursion threat oil-producing communities in the state.

The Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the milestone and achievements of his administration within its first six months in office as OSOPADEC Chairman, in line with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE Agenda.

Prince Poroye said strategic plans had been developed for shoreline protection and land reclamation in Obenla, Aiyetoro and other vulnerable coastal communities, noting that Governor Aiyedatiwa had approved a pilot shoreline protection and reclamation project at Obe-Nla to test the technology before its replication across the coastline.

According to him, the intervention is designed to protect lives, property, and livelihoods of riverine dwellers who have continued to suffer from the devastating effects of climate change, sea incursion, and coastal erosion

Infrastructure, Health, Education Boost

Beyond environmental protection,

Poroye said the commission recorded major milestones in infrastructure and social development, including the completion of the General Hospital, Agadagba-Obon, to enhance healthcare delivery for riverine residents.

He said OSOPADEC renovated 21 public primary and secondary schools across Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, with 13 already completed, while scholarships and bursaries for the 2023/2024 academic session had been fully paid to all eligible students.

The OSOPADEC boss added that Governor Aiyedatiwa approved the completion of three student hostels belonging to the commission at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

Roads, Power, Walkways

On road infrastructure, Poroye disclosed that the 28.5-kilometre Aboto–Atijere Road project had reached 33 per cent completion, while the 4.72-kilometre Ugbo-Nla–Erunna Road, also known as Igbokoda–Ayetoro Road Phase III, was undergoing processing to improve connectivity along the coastal belt and strengthen economic activities.

He said rural electrification projects at Ilumeje-Atijere were at the procurement approval stage, with transformers already installed at Aboto and parts of Igbokoda. Concrete walkways at Obe-Nla and the School of Maritime

Transport and Logistics, Ugbo-Nla, he added, had reached 85 percent completion.

Institutional Reforms, Accountability

Poroye also listed institutional reforms, staff promotions, strengthened project monitoring, security infrastructure, market development projects, and other initiatives awaiting pricing approval as part of the board’s achievements.

He stressed that OSOPADEC operates a distinct budgetary framework from the state government, noting that Governor Aiyedatiwa had earlier established a dedicated account for the commission to ensure transparency and timely access to funds.

“The governor has demonstrated uncommon fairness to oil-producing communities. For the first time, there is a clear commitment to equity and development along the coastline,” Poroye said.