••• Launches Shoreline Protection in Ondo
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has announced plans to complete long-abandoned projects across its mandate areas and tertiary institutions in the state, while commencing shoreline protection and land reclamation works to curb sea incursion in coastal communities.
The Chairman of the commission, Biyi Poroye, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at OSOPADEC headquarters in Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Council Area, where he outlined the commission’s intervention programmes.
Poroye said efforts have begun to address the persistent problem of shoreline erosion in Ayetoro and other affected communities caused by climate change and rising sea levels.
According to him, the state government has approved the construction of a shoreline protection and reclamation project at Obe-Nla as a pilot scheme.
He explained that the pilot project would allow the commission to evaluate and refine the technology before extending it to other vulnerable coastal communities.
On education infrastructure, the OSOPADEC chairman assured that three student hostel projects abandoned for several years would soon be completed. The hostels are located at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA); Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO).
Poroye also confirmed that scholarships and bursaries for the 2023/2024 academic session had been fully disbursed to eligible students across the mandate areas.
Speaking on road infrastructure, he stated that several OSOPADEC-funded road projects were nearing completion.
He specifically mentioned the 28.5-kilometre Aboto–Atijere Road, adding that preparations were at an advanced stage for the construction of the 4.72-kilometre Ugbo-Nla–Erunna Road, which he said would improve connectivity and stimulate trade along the coastal corridor.
Addressing power supply challenges in riverine communities, Poroye said the commission had commenced rural electrification of Ilumeje-Atijere, covering areas from Igboegunrin through Gbolomi to Igbobi.
“To liberate our communities from the challenges posed by inadequate electricity, the Commission has initiated the rural electrification of Ilumeje-Atijere, covering from Igboegunrin through Gbolomi to Igbobi,” he said.
He added that the construction of 1,000 metres of concrete walkways in Obe-Nla had reached 85 per cent completion, noting that the project would provide safer and more accessible routes for residents.
“To enhance the living conditions of our people, the construction of 1,000 metres of concrete walkways in Obe-Nla has reached 85 per cent completion, providing safer, more dignified and accessible pathways for the community,” Poroye stated.
The OSOPADEC chairman further revealed that the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Ugbo-Nla, also at 85 per cent completion, was designed to promote skills acquisition, employment opportunities and development of the blue economy.
“The School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Ugbo-Nla, also 85 per cent complete, represents a strategic investment in skills development, employment opportunities and the blue economy sectors with immense potential to transform the livelihoods of our coastal communities,” he said.
On internal reforms, Poroye said the commission had embarked on capacity-building initiatives for staff in line with the governor’s directive.
“Guided by the governor’s vision of a responsive and efficient public service, we implemented comprehensive capacity-building programmes and facilitated well-deserved staff promotions and training, as well as enhanced welfare provisions,” he said.
He added that the commission would, in January, conduct another round of project inspections with members of the media.
“In January, we will embark on another round of inspections with the media to showcase our ongoing work. They reflect a commission dedicated to transforming vision into action, policy into projects, and promises into measurable results,” Poroye said.
