Governor Aiyedatiwa Commissions OSOPADEC’s 1km Walkway, Flags Off Additional 3km Concrete Walkway, Inaugurates Water Scheme in Obe-Nla
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has commissioned a completed 1-kilometre concrete walkway, flagged off the construction of an additional 3-kilometre concrete walkway, and inaugurated a modern water supply scheme in Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development across the state’s riverine communities.
Speaking at the event, the Governor described the projects as practical responses to the genuine needs of the people, stressing that no community would be left behind under his administration’s OUR EASE Agenda.
According to the Governor, the projects represent far more than physical infrastructure.
“This completed walkway is more than a stretch of reinforced concrete. It is a corridor of hope, a pathway to dignity, and a bridge to greater economic and social opportunities,” he said.
He acknowledged that while some might consider the project modest, residents of the riverine community fully understand its significance, having endured decades of unsafe wooden walkways, difficult terrain, and limited access to essential services.
The Governor assured residents that the intervention would not end with the walkway, revealing that government plans include future land reclamation projects aimed at providing long-term solutions to the challenges facing coastal communities.
He also commissioned a rehabilitated water supply scheme comprising a restored borehole, a 50,000-litre elevated storage tank, an extensive distribution network, and a modern reverse osmosis water treatment plant to provide safe drinking water to Obe-Nla and neighbouring communities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across Ondo State, including the 28.5-kilometre Aboto–Atijere Road, the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon, the 2-million-gallon-per-day water sedimentation tank at Aboto, the Molutehin Mini Water Scheme, the 8.5-kilometre dual carriageway from College Road to Okitipupa Junction via Irewole Roundabout, the Igbokoda–Okitipupa Dual Carriageway, the Irele–Sabomi Road, selected township roads in Irele, and the Zion Pepe–Agerige Road.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges of coastal erosion, flooding, and sea incursion, particularly in Ayetoro and other prone
shoreline communities, through sustained collaboration with the Federal Government, HITECH Construction Company, and other development partners.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, described the commissioning as the fulfilment of government’s promise to the people.
He noted that the Commission has remained committed to translating every public fund into measurable development across the mandate areas.
Poroye disclosed that OSOPADEC has completed landmark projects, including the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon, the Igbotu Township Road, concrete walkways in Obe-Nla, and concrete landing walkways in Obe-Rewoye, Obe-Ogbaro, Obe-Magbe, and Obe-Lomore.
He added that strategic projects currently underway include the Sabomi Township Road, Naval Security Posts with Jetties at Atijere, Odun-Oyinbo, Ebighan, and Apata, alongside several concrete landing jetties across Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
Addressing environmental concerns, the OSOPADEC Chairman announced that the Commission will participate in the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, where it will host an OSOPADEC Pavilion to showcase the realities of Ondo State’s coastal communities and attract international partnerships for climate resilience and sustainable development.
He also announced plans to host the OSOPADEC International Conference on Climate Change in Abuja from March 15–17, 2027, bringing together governments, investors, researchers, and development partners to develop lasting solutions to the environmental challenges facing the state’s coastal communities.
Speaking at the event, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Oluwasegun Williams Akinyomi, the Amapetu of Mahinland, expressed profound gratitude to God for witnessing the successful completion and commissioning of the 1-kilometre concrete walkway project during his reign.
The royal father described the occasion as a moment of great joy and fulfillment, noting that the project represents a significant milestone in the development of the riverine community.
His Majesty appealed to the people of Ilaje Local Government Area to remain patient and continue to support the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, stressing that the successful execution of ongoing and proposed developmental projects requires the cooperation and understanding of the people.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Morris Oripenaye, expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the developmental interventions in the area and reaffirmed the support of the people of Ilaje for his administration.
Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Chief Olusola Oke SAN; traditional rulers; OSOPADEC Board members and management; party leaders; and stakeholders.
