Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday inaugurated the rehabilitated 32.7km Alape Junction–Araromi Seaside Road in the Ilaje Local Government Area.
The project, executed by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), marks a significant milestone in the State’s development agenda.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of riverine communities, particularly those in oil-producing areas.
He emphasised the government’s ongoing strides in transforming these regions through strategic infrastructure projects designed to address long-standing challenges and improve residents’ quality of life.
“We aim to improve essential facilities, including roads, electricity, clean water, land reclamation, and shoreline protection to reduce and eliminate the longstanding challenges that our communities face in this region. All these are geared towards making life more bearable for our people in the riverine areas of the State.
“Today, it is evident that this road is already positively impacting the lives of the people as envisioned by our administration. Our government’s focus is on projects that bring positive change and improve the well-being of all residents.”
Reflecting on the significant developmental strides achieved, particularly in the Ilaje and Ese-Odo mandate areas, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted, “The Ilaje and Ese-Odo mandate areas have witnessed remarkable progress through numerous impactful projects.
“These projects include the construction of a 1,000-meter concrete walkway with jetties at Obe Nla, the 28.5km Aboto-Atijere Road, a Mini Water Treatment Scheme at Molutehin, and the establishment of the School of Maritime Transport and Logistics at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Ugbonla.
“As we look ahead, our administration is set to commence additional development projects. These include the construction of the 4.72km Ugbonla-Erunna Road, complete with a bridge across the Erunna River; the distribution of 2,000 prepaid electricity meters; and the building of concrete landing jetties in 18 communities across Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs.”
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to education, the governor added, “To advance education in riverine communities, we will distribute 2,000 sets of twin lockers (desks and chairs) alongside essential textbooks in English and science subjects to schools in Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs. Furthermore, plans are in place to renovate 21 public primary and secondary schools in the area.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, the Secretary of OSOPADEC, emphasized the transformative impact of these new infrastructural projects on the lives of people in Ondo State’s oil-producing areas.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his steadfast commitment to the development of riverine communities and for prioritizing projects that significantly enhance the quality of life for residents.
“This road goes beyond being an infrastructure project; it is a lifeline for our communities, opening up economic opportunities and improving access to essential services,” she stated.
Princess Bayo-Ilawole also commended the governor for his unwavering support of OSOPADEC’s vision, enabling the commission to fulfil its mandate of fostering sustainable development in the oil-producing areas.
