Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved a project to reclaim coastal communities in Ilaje Local Government Area that are being eroded by the Atlantic Ocean.
The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Mr Biyi Poroye, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking in his office.
Many coastal communities in the state have continued to suffer from incessant sea incursions, particularly the Ayetoro community, which has lost significant portions of its land to the ocean.
As a result, several residents have been displaced, while numerous houses have been destroyed.
Poroye said the state government was determined to reclaim all coastal communities affected by sea incursion.
According to him, the reclamation project for the Obe Nla community in Ilaje Local Government Area has already been approved by the governor, adding that OSOPADEC is in the process of awarding the project to a contractor.
“Every coastal community in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas will be reclaimed.
“Within three years, we can reclaim the entire area, but we need more funds. The sand required for the project is in the sea,” he said.
He assured all that Ayetoro and other affected communities would also be reclaimed, noting that although the Federal Government has shown interest in the project, the state government would intervene if necessary.
“We are giving the Federal Government some time, but if it fails to implement its plans, we will commence the project next year. Ayetoro must be saved because if it fails, the entire area will be affected. Even our water project in Aboto is already becoming salty,” Poroye stated.
The OSOPADEC chairman also revealed that Governor Aiyedatiwa had approved a dedicated bank account for the commission, ensuring that its funds are properly managed and disbursed.
“In the past, most governors did not release funds meant for the commission, making it seem as if Ilaje and Ese-Odo were not part of the state. Only the Adefarati and Agagu administrations were exceptions,” he said.
Poroye added that under the current administration, the commission only needs to make formal requests for approval and disbursement, stressing that the governor ensures fairness in resource allocation.
He further noted that staff training, capacity building, and workers’ welfare remain priorities of his leadership, disclosing that no fewer than 124 eligible staff members had been promoted so far.
On ongoing and future projects, Poroye said OSOPADEC would continue to collaborate with intervention agencies to ensure seamless implementation of development projects in coastal communities.
He attributed the achievements recorded within the last six months of his administration to the timely approval of requests by the governor.
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