Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced that a budget of N33.8 billion has been approved for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

While describing the approval as historic for the 2025 fiscal year, Aiyedatiwa stated that the fund would address critical infrastructure gaps and socio-economic challenges in the state’s mandate areas.

According to the governor, who spoke during the inauguration of the newly constituted Board of OSOPADEC at the Cocoa Conference Centre of the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state capital, the members, led by Biyi Poroye, will deliver impactful development to oil-bearing communities in the state.

Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the board’s inauguration was not merely a statutory duty but a demonstration of his administration’s unwavering commitment to good governance, effective service delivery, and transformative development in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, the two oil-producing areas under the commission’s mandate.

He said, “With the amendment of the OSOPADEC Act signed into law late last year, the commission has been fundamentally repositioned to operate with greater efficiency, enhanced transparency, and a renewed focus on optimal service delivery.”

Charging the new board members to see their appointment as a call to service, the governor reminded them of the high expectations placed upon them by the people and the need to serve with integrity, diligence and selflessness.

He assured the board of his administration’s full support while also making it clear that such support would be conditional on transparency, integrity and measurable results.

Aiyedatiwa also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and development partners to rally behind the new board in its shared mission to develop the oil-bearing communities.

“This is a bold statement that OSOPADEC will not only function under this administration but will also flourish. It must deliver transformation that speaks loudly and visibly in the lives of the people.

“Let us, in togetherness, build a legacy of prosperity, peace and progress for Ilaje and Ese-Odo. Let this be the beginning of a new dawn, one where government works truly for the people,” he said.

Responding on behalf of other board members, Poroye assured the governor that the board is fully prepared and committed to carrying out its responsibilities with dedication and diligence.