OSOPADEC: Aiyedatiwa inaugurates board, approves Commission’s N33.8BN Budget

By Our Reporter

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved a N33.8 billion budget for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) for the 2025 fiscal year — the highest allocation ever granted to the Commission.

Speaking during the inauguration of the new OSOPADEC Board at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the move as part of his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life in oil-producing areas, particularly in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

He charged the newly inaugurated board to prioritise impactful, transparent, and people-centred development, while ensuring the Commission delivers results in line with the “OUR EASE” policy of his administration — an agenda focused on Access, Service, and Empowerment.

He said with the recent amendment to the OSOPADEC Act, the Commission has been repositioned for enhanced operational efficiency and accountability. The Governor added that the N33.8 billion budget will drive key infrastructure interventions and address pressing socio-economic challenges in the mandate areas.

He noted that the approved funds would be deployed to projects in road construction, education, healthcare, water supply and housing, as well as to initiatives targeting youth and women empowerment, scholarship schemes and vocational training.

Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new board to treat their appointment as a serious responsibility to serve. He assured them of government support, but stressed that such backing would depend on integrity, transparency, and measurable outcomes.

He further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth associations, civil society actors, and development partners to work collaboratively with the board to ensure the success of the Commission’s mission.

“This administration is determined to make OSOPADEC a functional and results-oriented agency. The new board must drive development that is visible and meaningful to the people,” the Governor stated.

The newly appointed Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Olaleye Poroye, who responded on behalf of the board, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the confidence reposed in them. He pledged the board’s commitment to delivering on its mandate with diligence and accountability.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olusegun Ayedun; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; and other senior government officials and traditional leaders.