Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday approved a historic N33.8 billion budget for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) for the 2025 fiscal year, the highest allocation ever granted to the Commission.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the newly constituted OSOPADEC Board at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure.
Aiyedatiwa charged the new board members to deliver meaningful development to the oil-bearing communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas.
The governor described the inauguration as a new chapter in the Commission’s history, anchored on his administration’s “OUR EASE” policy, which prioritises Access, Service and Empowerment.
He stressed that the amended OSOPADEC law, signed into law late last year, had repositioned the agency for improved efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
“This budget will fund vital projects in roads, schools, water supply, health centres, and housing. It will also strengthen youth and women empowerment schemes, scholarship programmes, and skill acquisition centres,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
He urged board members to view their appointment as a call to serve, reminding them of the high expectations from residents of the mandate areas.
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He assured them of his administration’s full backing, conditional on transparency, integrity, and measurable impact.
Calling for collective support, the governor appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners to collaborate with the new board in advancing development across oil-producing communities.
“This is a bold statement that OSOPADEC will not only function under this administration but will flourish,” he said.
“Let us, in togetherness, build a legacy of prosperity, peace and progress for Ilaje and Ese-Odo.”
Responding on behalf of the new board, Chairman Biyi Poroye expressed appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust reposed in them.
He pledged the board’s commitment to executing its duties with integrity and dedication.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Ayedun; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Bayo Philip; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers; local government chairmen; and traditional rulers.
