OSOPADEC Chairman Vows Major Reforms, Unveils Plans for Modern Guesthouse in Akure
Akure, Ondo State – The newly appointed Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, has pledged sweeping reforms to revive the Commission’s infrastructure and drive sustainable development across its mandate areas.
During inspection visits to the Commission’s headquarters and a long-abandoned guesthouse in Akure, Prince Poroye laid out a wide-ranging agenda aimed at modernising operations, improving staff welfare, and launching new investment initiatives.
The OSOPADEC Guesthouse, built in 2002 to accommodate guests from oil-producing communities, has been left in disrepair for years. But Prince Poroye now promises a full-scale reconstruction of the facility within a year. The new structure, he said, will be a two-storey building designed to international hospitality standards, complete with a presidential suite and an elevator.
Speaking at the site in Alagbaka, Akure, the Chairman argued that OSOPADEC must begin investing in sectors like hospitality to reduce costs and increase revenue.
> “As long as the Commission pays for guest accommodation, it makes better sense to invest in our own asset. The hospitality business is one we already patronise — we should be earning from it, not spending,” he said.
At the Commission’s headquarters, Poroye voiced concern over the state of the office complex and vowed to modernise the facility.
> “You should walk into this place and feel a sense of pride and belonging,” he told staff. “We cannot serve our communities effectively if our own working conditions are substandard.”
Poroye was accompanied by key members of the Commission’s leadership, including Executive Director of Finance, Hon. Mallon Ogbaro, and Executive Director of Projects, Dr. Olujimi Kuffo.
He emphasised unity and a return to the Commission’s founding values, calling on staff to embrace innovation and collaboration.
> “In the past, we saw love, oneness and purpose here,” he said. “When there is love, new and transformative ideas will emerge.”
Part of the Chairman’s modernisation push includes full automation of OSOPADEC’s internal operations to improve transparency and efficiency. He also pledged that staff welfare will remain a priority.
> “A happy staff is a productive staff,” he said.
Looking beyond infrastructure, Poroye outlined broader plans to make OSOPADEC financially self-reliant through investments in agriculture, healthcare and strategic partnerships.
He floated the idea of establishing a cancer centre on Commission-owned land, with the aim of drawing global attention and serving both local and international patients.
> “We want to see the Commission owning assets, creating jobs, and transforming lives,” he said. “This is our dream, and with God on our side, we will achieve it.”
Poroye expressed concerns about the limitations of the Commission’s current ₦33 billion budget, stating it is insufficient to achieve the ambitious vision for the mandate areas. He also extended an open call to capable investors to partner with the Commission in profitable ventures.
Mrs Joy Omotosho, Supervisor of the guesthouse, welcomed the planned reconstruction, saying it would restore dignity to the facility and boost the Commission’s image.
As these reform efforts take shape, many in Akure and the wider OSOPADEC mandate areas are hopeful that a new era of accountability, innovation, and progress may be on the horizon.
