World Environment Day: OSOPADEC Chairman Seeks Global Support for Aiyetoro, Coastal Communities
The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, has appealed to the international community, development partners, environmental organisations and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at tackling the growing threat of sea incursion and climate change in coastal communities of Ondo State.
Poroye made the appeal during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration held in Aiyetoro, a riverine community in Ilaje Local Government Area widely regarded as one of the worst affected by coastal erosion and rising sea levels in the state.
The OSOPADEC chairman, accompanied by members of the commission’s management team, government officials and community stakeholders, undertook an inspection tour of the community before the event. Travelling by boat through Ugbo-Nla to Aiyetoro, the delegation assessed the extensive damage caused by persistent sea surges and shoreline erosion.
Addressing residents and stakeholders at the event, Poroye described World Environment Day as the United Nations’ leading platform for promoting environmental awareness and action. Speaking on the 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” he stressed the need for collective action to safeguard the environment and secure a sustainable future.
He commended Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his commitment to the development and environmental sustainability of riverine communities, while also acknowledging the partnership of the state Ministry of Environment in advancing environmental protection initiatives.
The OSOPADEC chairman highlighted several projects recently approved by the state government through the commission, including the construction of naval checkpoints and landing jetties in Atijere, Ebighan and Apata, a Marine Police Checkpoint in Odun Oyinbo, the distribution of 4,000 twin desks and chairs to schools across Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, road projects, community identification exercises and the construction of concrete landing jetties at strategic locations.
According to him, the projects are intended to strengthen infrastructure, improve security and enhance environmental resilience in coastal communities.
Poroye, however, noted that the celebration also provided an opportunity to draw attention to the environmental challenges confronting communities in the state’s oil-producing areas.
“Aiyetoro’s situation is a reminder to the world that climate change is real and that vulnerable coastal communities require urgent intervention and support,” he said.
He observed that decades of sea incursion had destroyed homes, schools, roads, economic assets and large portions of the community’s landmass, calling for sustained intervention through shoreline protection projects, ecosystem restoration, afforestation programmes and stronger partnerships among governments, development agencies, private organisations and local communities.
The OSOPADEC chairman further urged the Federal Government, international development partners, oil and gas companies, environmental groups and philanthropists to support ongoing efforts to protect lives, livelihoods and infrastructure in affected communities.
Speaking on behalf of residents, community leader Mrs. Mofeoluwa Arowolo commended OSOPADEC for its intervention efforts but raised concerns over worsening environmental and health challenges in the community. She cited the prevalence of malaria and the continued threat of sea incursion, urging authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further devastation.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Relations and Public Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Kikelomo, assured residents of the government’s commitment to addressing environmental concerns in the area. She encouraged the people to maintain proper hygiene practices while reaffirming government support for affected communities.
Representing Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, praised OSOPADEC’s leadership for its commitment to the welfare of coastal communities. He said the state government remained determined to find lasting solutions to the environmental challenges facing Aiyetoro and other vulnerable settlements.
As part of activities marking the celebration, stakeholders participated in a ceremonial tree-planting exercise, symbolising renewed commitment to environmental conservation, climate action and sustainable development.
The event concluded with renewed calls for collective action and international support to address the environmental crisis threatening Aiyetoro and other coastal communities in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.
