OSOPADEC Moves to Halt Sea Incursion as Aiyedatiwa Okays Shoreline Reclamation Projects
…Governor sets 2026 development agenda for Ilaje, Ese-Odo
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has launched major shoreline protection and land reclamation projects to tackle the growing threat of sea incursion and coastal erosion in oil-producing communities across the state.
The move follows the approval of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who has prioritised coastal protection as part of his broader OUR EASE Agenda.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday, OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, said the commission had rolled out strategic plans to safeguard vulnerable coastal settlements such as Obenla, Aiyetoro and other riverine communities.
According to Poroye, the governor has approved a pilot shoreline protection and land reclamation project at Obe-Nla, which will serve as a test case before being replicated along the state’s extensive coastline.
“This intervention is about saving lives, protecting property and preserving livelihoods,” Poroye said. “Our riverine people have suffered for too long from climate change, coastal erosion and relentless sea incursion.”
Health, Education and Infrastructure Gains
Beyond environmental protection, OSOPADEC has recorded significant progress in social development. Poroye disclosed that the General Hospital in Agadagba-Obon has been completed, boosting access to quality healthcare for riverine residents.
In the education sector, the commission has renovated 21 public primary and secondary schools in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, with 13 projects already completed. Scholarships and bursaries for the 2023/2024 academic session have also been fully paid to all qualified students.
He added that Governor Aiyedatiwa has approved the completion of three OSOPADEC-owned student hostels at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
Roads, Power and Walkways
On infrastructure, Poroye revealed that work on the 28.5km Aboto–Atijere Road has reached 33 per cent completion, while the 4.72km Ugbo-Nla–Erunna Road (Igbokoda–Ayetoro Road Phase III) is undergoing final processing to enhance coastal connectivity and economic activities.
Rural electrification projects in Ilumeje-Atijere are at the procurement approval stage, with transformers already installed in Aboto and parts of Igbokoda. Concrete walkways at Obe-Nla and the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics, Ugbo-Nla, have reached 85 per cent completion.
Reforms and Transparency
Poroye also highlighted institutional reforms, staff promotions, strengthened project monitoring, improved security infrastructure and market development initiatives awaiting final approval.
He stressed that OSOPADEC operates under a separate budgetary framework from the state government, noting that Governor Aiyedatiwa has established a dedicated account for the commission to ensure transparency and timely funding.
“The governor has shown uncommon fairness to oil-producing communities,” Poroye said. “For the first time, there is a clear and deliberate commitment to equity and sustainable development along the coastline