Vanessa 
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a record-breaking N33.8 billion budget for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), marking the highest allocation ever to the intervention agency.
The governor made the announcement on Monday during the inauguration of the newly constituted OSOPADEC Board at the Government House in Akure.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the budget will be channeled toward addressing pressing infrastructure and socio-economic needs in oil-producing communities across Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas.
“This allocation will fund major projects in road construction, education, water supply, healthcare, and housing,” he stated. “It will also boost youth and women empowerment, scholarship schemes, and skills acquisition centres, in line with our development roadmap.”
He described the inauguration of the new Board as a clear commitment to good governance and inclusive development, stressing that the recent amendment of the OSOPADEC Act has repositioned the commission for greater efficiency and transparency.
Aiyedatiwa urged the board members to embrace their new roles as a call to service and deliver measurable impact. He further pledged his administration’s full support—provided the board upholds accountability and integrity.
The governor also called on monarchs, community leaders, youth groups, CSOs, and development partners to collaborate with the commission in its renewed mission to transform oil-bearing areas.
“This is a new dawn for OSOPADEC,” Aiyedatiwa said. “We must build a legacy of peace, prosperity, and visible transformation.”
In his response, OSOPADEC Chairman Prince Biyi Poroye thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and promised that the board would remain committed and result-driven.
