The Ondo State government has initiated a determined effort to find a lasting solution to the severe Atlantic Ocean incursion threatening the historic coastal community of Ayetoro.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has taken a decisive step to end the cycle of failed projects by ensuring that only highly competent and financially capable firms are contracted for the critical shoreline protection and land reclamation work.
This was disclosed in a statement posted on Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC, Facebook page on Saturday.
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Last week, a high-level technical delegation was dispatched to Ghana for a rigorous fact-finding mission.
The mission, led by Olabiyi Poroye, the Executive Chairman of the OSOPADEC was a direct response to the Governor’s instruction to identify credible partners for the proposed large-scale project in the state’s oil-producing belt.
Ayetoro was founded in 1947 and has suffered devastating land erosion, which has displaced families and submerged homes.
Successive administrations have struggled to execute a lasting solution, with past efforts—including those by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)—failing to halt the destruction, leaving disillusioned residents in their wake.
The three-day delegation undertook a comprehensive due diligence exercise on marine engineering companies, beginning with a visit to Ghana-based Dredge Masters Ltd (DML).
The team’s objective was to assess the firm’s equipment, technical capacity, and track record.
The state team inspected significant coastal protection projects, including the Prampram Sea Defence and the Ningo Dredging and Reclamation Project.
They also held strategic talks with key industry leaders, including the Jospong Group, led by industrialist Joseph Agyapong.
Poroye described the engagement as “an eye-opener,” noting DML’s strong technical workforce and heavy-duty equipment base.
He stressed that the governor’s “prime concern” is to put an end to the destructive sea surge and “implement sustainable solutions that will protect coastal communities, safeguard livelihoods, and restore the confidence of our people.”
The OSOPADEC boss affirmed that quality delivery, cost-effectiveness, and a proven track record are non-negotiable requirements set by Aiyedatiwa.
He emphasised that the administration is determined not to repeat the mistakes of previous governments, where contracted firms failed to deliver on the vital project.
Drawing on the lessons learned from the successful execution of the Alape–Araromi Seaside Road, Poroye highlighted the necessity of technical expertise guided by political commitment.
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“The goal is not just to reclaim land but to make it durable and build something that can stand the test of time,” Poroye explained, adding that the process must involve understanding the “soil texture, the depth, and the right equipment required.”
Poroye reassured the public that the search for the most reputable and competent contractor would continue until the most suitable firm is identified, offering a renewed beacon of hope to the people of Ayetoro whose livelihoods hang in the balance.
