With the recent appointment of Prince Biyi Olaleye Poroye as the Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has set the stage for a new era of leadership and transformation in the oil-bearing communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
Backed by an unprecedented N33.8 billion budget and a reform-driven administration, expectations are understandably high — and rightfully so.
But this is no ceremonial role. Poroye and his board face a daunting task: to turn around decades of underdevelopment, infrastructural decay, and community disillusionment with government promises that rarely move from policy papers to reality.
The Challenges at Hand
1. Crumbling Infrastructure:
Basic amenities in many OSOPADEC-mandate communities are either dilapidated or non-existent. Roads are impassable during the rainy season. Schools lack furniture and learning tools. Water supply systems are outdated or broken. Healthcare centres are few and far between. These are not just statistics—they are daily realities that shape the quality of life for thousands.
2. Youth Unemployment and Restiveness:
The oil-producing regions of Ondo State are home to a vibrant, young population with limited opportunities. Without access to meaningful employment, skill acquisition, or empowerment programmes, the risk of social unrest remains high. Many youths feel alienated from the benefits of their own natural resources.
3. Eroding Trust in Government Institutions:
Years of mismanagement and lack of transparency have led to deep-rooted distrust among residents towards OSOPADEC. Community members often see the Commission as a political tool rather than a vehicle for development.
4. Wasted Assets and Poor Maintenance Culture:
Assets like the long-abandoned OSOPADEC Guesthouse in Akure reflect a broader issue of neglect and poor asset management. If not urgently addressed, such neglect will continue to drain the Commission’s potential revenue streams.
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The Tasks Ahead for Poroye’s Leadership
1. Deliver Impact Projects, Not Paper Plans:
The approved N33.8 billion budget is probably the highest ever for OSOPADEC — a clear sign of confidence and urgency from the state government.
But money alone does not solve problems; strategic execution does. This fund must be deployed judiciously across core sectors: roads, schools, water, healthcare, housing, and empowerment. Each naira should have a visible, measurable impact.
2. Build a Transparent and Digital OSOPADEC:
Poroye’s commitment to full automation and transparent systems is not just welcome — it is essential. By digitizing operations, improving procurement standards, and ensuring regular financial audits, the Commission can regain public trust and operate more efficiently.
3. Invest in Economic Diversification and Sustainability:
His vision to engage in agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality is forward-thinking. The Guesthouse project in Akure, if completed within the projected timeframe and to international standards, can become both a revenue generator and a symbol of the “new OSOPADEC.”
4. Staff Welfare and Internal Capacity Building:
A demoralized workforce cannot drive change. Prioritizing staff welfare, training, and a culture of unity—as emphasized by Poroye—is crucial to ensuring the Commission’s internal engine runs smoothly and ethically.
5. Community Involvement and Ownership:
Development cannot be imposed; it must be inclusive. The new board must work hand-in-hand with traditional rulers, youth leaders, civil society, and local communities. Grassroots involvement will guarantee that projects align with real needs and that communities take ownership of the development process.
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No Room for Frivolities
Prince Poroye is not new to leadership. His antecedents show he is bold, energetic, and not afraid to take on hard tasks.
However, this position demands more than passion — it requires prudence, discipline, and results. There is no space for political patronage, white elephant projects, or self-serving contracts.
With the weight of history on his shoulders, Poroye must rise above distractions and deliver what the oil-producing communities have waited far too long for — real, sustainable development.
The people are watching. The Governor has placed a bet. The budget is in place. Now, it is time for action.
Let this be the board that made OSOPADEC truly work — not just as a government agency, but as a beacon of hope, empowerment, and transformation in Ondo State.
