The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has announced a major push to complete long-abandoned projects and initiate critical shoreline protection works in coastal communities battling sea incursion.
Shoreline Protection and Infrastructure Revival
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, 30th December 2025, at the commission's headquarters in Oba-Ile, Akure North, OSOPADEC Chairman Biyi Poroye outlined a comprehensive intervention plan. He confirmed that the state government has approved a shoreline protection and reclamation project at Obe-Nla as a pilot scheme.
This pilot initiative aims to test and refine the technology before wider application. The move is a direct response to the relentless sea incursion affecting Ayetoro and other communities, a crisis exacerbated by climate change.
Completion of Abandoned Projects Across Sectors
Poroye assured residents that numerous projects initiated by the commission, which had stalled across its mandate areas and state tertiary institutions, are now slated for completion.
In the education sector, three OSOPADEC student hostels that have suffered years of neglect will finally be finished. These hostels are located at:
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA)
- Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa
- Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO)
Furthermore, Poroye confirmed the full disbursement of the 2023/2024 scholarships and bursaries to all eligible students.
Roads, Electrification, and Community Projects Advance
On physical infrastructure, the Chairman reported significant progress. He highlighted that the 28.5 km Aboto–Atijere Road construction is nearing completion. Preparations are also in their final stages for the 4.72 km Ugbo-Nla–Erunna Road, a project expected to boost connectivity and trade along the coastal corridor.
To address power challenges, OSOPADEC has initiated the rural electrification of Ilumeje-Atijere, covering areas from Igboegunrin through Gbolomi to Igbobi.
Community-focused projects are also advancing. The construction of 1,000 metres of concrete walkways in Obe-Nla is now 85% complete, aiming to provide safer and more accessible pathways. Similarly, the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Ugbo-Nla is also 85% complete. This institution represents a strategic investment in skills development for the blue economy, with the potential to transform livelihoods in coastal communities.
