•••Pledges Continued Development for Oil-Producing Regions
In a major stride toward uplifting the riverine communities of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa officially inaugurated the reconstructed 32.7km Alape Junction to Araromi Seaside Road in the Ilaje local government area on Tuesday.
This ambitious project, executed by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), reflects the administration’s dedication to fostering development in oil-producing regions.
“Our aim is to improve essential facilities, including roads, electricity, clean water, land reclamation, and shoreline protection with a view to reducing or eliminating the longstanding challenges that our communities face in this region,” Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized. “All these are geared towards making life more bearable for our people in the riverine areas of the State.”
The Governor noted the positive impact of the rehabilitated road on local residents, underlining his government’s focus on “projects that bring positive change and improve the well-being of all residents.”
In addition to the Alape-Araromi Road, Aiyedatiwa highlighted other transformative efforts in Ilaje and Ese-Odo, including the 1,000-meter concrete walkway with jetties at Obe Nla, the 28.5km Aboto-Atijere Road, and the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Ugbonla.
Looking ahead, Governor Aiyedatiwa revealed plans for more developmental projects in the mandate areas, such as the construction of the 4.72km Ugbonla-Erunna Road, the distribution of 2,000 prepaid electricity meters, and the establishment of concrete landing jetties in 18 communities across Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
Reflecting on the Governor’s dedication, OSOPADEC Secretary Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole shared,
“This road is more than just an infrastructure project; it represents a lifeline for our communities, connecting us to economic opportunities and enhancing access to essential services.”
Educational development also remains a priority for the administration. Plans include distributing 2,000 sets of twin desks and chairs alongside textbooks in English and science for schools in riverine areas, as well as renovating 21 public primary and secondary schools across Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
