Ondo Assembly Commends OSOPADEC, Calls for Closer Legislative Engagement
By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on OSOPADEC has applauded the management of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission for its efforts to improve staff welfare and drive development in oil-producing communities.
The Committee, however, urged the Commission to embrace greater transparency, accountability, and regular engagement with the legislature.
The commendation was given during an oversight visit to the OSOPADEC headquarters in Akure. The visit was led by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Primate Oluwatoyin Allen.
Other members on the delegation were Vice Chairman Hon. Princess Olawunmi Fayemi, Hon. Nelson Akinsuroju, Hon. Tope Agbulu, Hon. Daodu Oluwatoyin, Hon. Chris Ayebusiwa, Hon. Olatunji Ifabiyi, and Hon. Ologede Kolawole.
Addressing management and staff, Hon. Allen said the visit was in line with the Assembly’s constitutional duty to monitor government agencies and ensure effective service delivery.
He noted that the Committee was reviewing both past and ongoing projects executed by OSOPADEC, and stressed the need for on-the-spot inspection of projects across the mandate areas to verify progress.
The lawmakers requested full details of projects that have been awarded, completed, ongoing, and those at procurement stage. They also asked for a comprehensive list of projects with locations and status to properly assess their impact on oil-producing communities.
The Committee emphasized that closer collaboration with OSOPADEC will promote transparency and help lawmakers carry out their oversight and representation roles effectively.
They clarified that the oversight was not to obstruct the Commission’s work, but to ensure prudent use of public funds and meaningful development for residents of the mandate areas.
The lawmakers also praised management for prioritizing workers’ welfare and career growth, saying a motivated workforce is key to service delivery. They further encouraged OSOPADEC to explore alternative revenue sources, including investments and climate/environmental sustainability initiatives.
Earlier, the Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Poroye, briefed the Committee on the Commission’s achievements.
He said the current leadership is working to expand the Commission’s revenue base beyond statutory allocations. Through its subsidiary, Coastville, OSOPADEC is investing in real estate. Proceeds from Coastville were used to buy a permanent building for the OSOPADEC Microfinance Bank, which previously operated from a rented facility. Plans are also underway to recapitalize the bank to ₦1 billion to expand services across the state.
Poroye disclosed that the Commission has recovered some encroached properties and secured them, including fencing a recovered estate. He added that issues in riverine communities are being handled through dialogue rather than confrontation.
He also announced that OSOPADEC has secured a pavilion for an international climate summit in Turkey. The event will be used to showcase the environmental challenges and opportunities in the mandate areas and attract donors, investors, and development partners.
On infrastructure, the Chairman said over 60% of abandoned projects inherited by the present administration have been revived. He noted that 51 new projects in the budget have been approved by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and are in the contract award process.
To strengthen legislative relations, Poroye assured the Committee of quarterly engagement meetings going forward.
On staff welfare, he said the Commission’s structure had been reviewed with some departments expanded. The number of directors has risen to 24, with several other staff promoted to deputy director and assistant director cadres.
He thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support and pledged the Commission’s commitment to prudent resource management, staff welfare, project completion, and sustainable development in OSOPADEC communities.
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