OSOPADEC adopts participatory approach for 2026 budget, highlights projects

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has said it is adopting a participatory approach in the preparation of its 2026 budget to ensure inclusiveness and transparency in governance.

This was disclosed during the commission’s 2026 Stakeholders’ Summit held on April 15 in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, said the engagement was aimed at allowing stakeholders to contribute to the budgeting process.

He noted that the commission’s bottom-up approach would ensure that development priorities reflect the needs of the people.

According to him, “this engagement underscores our resolve to align development priorities with the real needs of our communities, while fostering transparency and shared ownership of the development process.”

Poroye also presented the commission’s scorecard since the inauguration of the current board in June 2025, highlighting achievements across key sectors.

He said a baseline report for Ilaje and Ese-Odo had been developed to support data-driven planning, while plans were underway to host an international conference on climate change.

In the health sector, he disclosed that the General Hospital in Agadagba-Obon had been completed to improve access to healthcare services.

On education, he said 21 schools had been renovated, with 13 completed, while scholarships and bursaries for the 2023/2024 academic session had been paid. He added that approval had been secured for the completion of three student hostels.

Poroye further stated that infrastructure projects, including the Aboto–Atijere Road, had reached 50 per cent completion, while the Obe-Nla walkway was at 85 per cent. He added that the Maritime School at Ugbo-Nla was nearing completion.

He said the commission had also recorded progress in rural electrification, including transformer installations and ongoing projects in some communities, alongside market development, water schemes and security interventions.

On economic sustainability, he said OSOPADEC was strengthening its investment drive through partnerships aimed at boosting revenue generation and job creation.

The chairman added that 124 staff members had been promoted, while salaries and pensions were being paid regularly.

He also disclosed that the commission provided N400m as relief following the October 2025 crisis and had continued to implement interventions to address infrastructure challenges.

In his remarks, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, commended the commission for its commitment to inclusive governance.

He said the summit provided a platform to promote transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement, urging continued collaboration among all parties.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustainable development in oil-producing communities in the state.

The summit ended with a call for sustained partnership among stakeholders to drive development across the region.