The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) is nearing the completion of its Operational Office in Igbokoda, the Comprehensive Health Centre Secretariat Road, Igbokoda and the renovation of 21 selected schools across its mandate areas.
OSOPADEC Secretary, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, revealed on Monday that residents of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas will soon benefit from these developments. She noted that the renovation of the Area Office Complex at Igbokoda, the Comprehensive Health Centre on Secretariat Road, and the 21 public primary and secondary schools in the riverine communities are all at advanced stages of completion.
She made these remarks during a three-day facility tour of the mandate areas, which concluded on Monday.
The tour, which began on Saturday, included top management staff, project supervisors, technical aides, and other personnel who conducted on-the-spot assessments of ongoing projects.
Community and religious leaders, as well as youth and women leaders, praised the team and expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for initiating impactful projects such as road construction, school renovations, provision of furniture and essential textbooks, teacher recruitment, access to clean water and electricity, and health centre upgrades.
Speaking on the long-term benefits of these initiatives, Princess Ilawole stated that the projects align with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” agenda—a strategic commitment to progress, equity, and sustainable development. The agenda emphasizes rural and urban renewal through agriculture and the blue economy, education and human capital development, efficient healthcare, and socio-economic welfare.
At the Area Office site in Igbokoda, where renovations are progressing rapidly, the Secretary expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of the work. She stated:
“I am indeed elated by the speed and quality of work on this project. Renovation began on February 5, 2025, and if the current pace continues, Mr. Governor may be able to commission the office before the end of the second quarter of the year.
The building will serve as an extension of OSOPADEC’s operations—a conducive environment for official business. The complex includes 31 offices, a boardroom, a conference hall, and executive offices for the Chairman and Secretary.”
While inspecting the Floating Fish Cage demonstration project at the Fishery Terminal in Igbokoda, Princess Ilawole noted:
“Significant progress has been made on this pilot scheme, which demonstrates how fish can grow in their natural environment. We expect this will enhance nutritional value and economic potential.
We began in late September 2024 with about 17,000 catfish fingerlings and juveniles. By God’s grace, based on our progress, we hope to harvest approximately 90% of the fish for commercial purposes within the next two weeks.”
The Secretary’s team also visited the proposed site for a new branch of Memphis Microfinance Bank at College Road, Igbokoda. According to her, the branch will mirror the existing one in Akure, the state capital.
She added:
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration is building a strong foundation for economic development in the mandate areas through the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda. Establishing microfinance bank branches in Ilaje and Ese-Odo is part of that vision.
Our goal is to bring banking services closer to the people, enabling them to save and access soft loans to grow their businesses.”
Other projects inspected include the completed Comprehensive Health Centre in Igbokoda, which is ready for commissioning, and the OSOPADEC Staff Quarters in Igbokoda, comprising twin two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments. The Secretary noted that the staff housing project will be addressed as soon as funds are available.
