The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has highlighted the completion of several abandoned projects across its mandate communities as Chairman of the commission, Prince Biyi Poroye, marked one year in office.

Speaking during an inspection of a newly completed one-kilometre concrete walkway project in a riverine community, Poroye said the current board had remained committed to completing inherited projects rather than abandoning them for new initiatives.

According to him, the commission met several ongoing projects in varying stages of completion upon assumption of office but resolved that all viable projects would be completed for the benefit of the people.

"Today marks one year of our administration. When we were inaugurated, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa gave us a marching order to go to the field and deliver. We examined all the projects we inherited and concluded that the communities are the same and the people are the same; therefore every project we met on ground must be completed," he said.

Poroye noted that one of the major achievements recorded by the board was the completion of the concrete walkway project, which he described as a demonstration of modern engineering, innovation and creativity in addressing the unique challenges of riverine communities.

He commended the contractor and the commission's engineers for ensuring the successful delivery of the project despite the logistical and environmental difficulties associated with construction in coastal areas.

The chairman also praised members of the host community for their cooperation, noting that support from residents contributed significantly to the project's successful completion.

He disclosed that the walkway forms part of a broader development vision aimed at improving living conditions in coastal settlements while supporting future land reclamation efforts across the oil-producing areas of the state.

Poroye said Governor Aiyedatiwa's commitment to infrastructure development played a crucial role in the commission's achievements, adding that the governor regularly monitored project implementation and encouraged the board to sustain the pace of development.

The OSOPADEC boss revealed that beyond the walkway project, the commission had completed several roads and hospitals that had been abandoned for many years, stressing that more completed projects would soon be presented for commissioning.

"We have had hospitals abandoned for about 18 years that we have completed. We have had roads that were almost completed that we have also completed. As we continue our inspections, the people will begin to see many more projects that have been delivered," he said.

He further explained that the commission was extending the concrete walkway initiative to other communities as part of efforts to replace wooden walkways, improve safety and promote environmental sustainability in coastal settlements.

Addressing concerns over project funding, Poroye disclosed that the completed walkway cost close to N2 billion after undergoing several reviews. He maintained that the commission remained prudent in project execution, noting that extensive piling and engineering works were required because of the difficult terrain.

He urged residents of the mandate area to remain hopeful and continue supporting government initiatives, while calling on indigenes at home and abroad to contribute positively to community development. 

He also pledged that the commission would sustain the peace and development efforts currently being experienced across the coastal communities of Ondo State.