OSOPADEC Unveils N33.86 Billion Budget for 2025, Focused on Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas

The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has put forward a budget of N33.86 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, aligning with the “OUR EASE” initiative and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s goal of advancing development throughout Ondo State.

Last week, the Commission held a consultation with key stakeholders. Attendees included traditional leaders, community figures, political and religious representatives, and youth and women’s groups from oil-producing communities. The aim was to conduct a needs assessment, following international best practices for participatory budgeting.

During the two-day stakeholders’ forum, which took place in Igbekebo and Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ese-Odo and Ilaje Local Government Areas, respectively, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, Secretary of the Commission, emphasized the necessity of ongoing collaboration with community leaders for the sustained development of the state’s oil-producing regions.

OSOPADEC is responsible for managing 40% of the 13% oil derivation fund allocated to the state. This fund is specifically designated for the development of Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring the full remittance of this allocation to the Commission.

The proposed 2025 budget reflects a significant increase from the N16.5 billion approved for 2024. However, OSOPADEC reported that it could only access around N7 billion of that amount due to financial difficulties, achieving just 18% of its budgetary goals. Despite these challenges, the Commission finished several impactful projects. These included the rehabilitation of the 32.725 km Alape-Araromi Road, the 1 km Igbotu township road, the distribution of bursaries and scholarships, the provision of school furniture and textbooks, and stipends for the elderly and physically challenged in its mandate areas.

Of the proposed N33.86 billion for 2025, N29 billion is slated for capital projects, with the remaining N4.86 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure. The planned projects encompass the construction of the third phase of the UgboNla–Aiyetoro Road (UgboNla–Eruona), the completion of the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon, the rehabilitation of the Maritime and Logistics School in Ugbonla, and the development of multiple jetties and walkways in various locations.

The budget also incorporates provisions for sand filling and shoreline protection in coastal communities, as per Governor Aiyedatiwa’s instruction that no community under OSOPADEC’s purview should be lost to sea encroachment.

Inland infrastructure development is also a priority, with road construction and rehabilitation planned for communities such as Igbokoda, Atijere, Igbekebo, and Sabomi. Additional key features of the budget include youth empowerment programs, the establishment of ICT centers in schools and examination bodies, and continuous backing for tertiary education through bursaries and scholarships.

Hon. Oluwatoyin Allen, Chairman of the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on OSOPADEC, commended the Commission for incorporating stakeholder input into the budget process. He also announced the establishment of performance monitoring techniques in both LGAs to guarantee the budget’s complete execution.

Hon. Oripenaye Maurice, Chairman of Ilaje LG, and Hon. Caleb Molos, his Ese-Odo counterpart, pledged their steadfast support for OSOPADEC and Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision for the state.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Oba Oluwasegun Akinyomi, the Amapetu of Mahinland, and Oba Professor (Deacon) Sunday Adejimola Amuseghan (Lawe II), the Kalasuwe of Apoi, assured the Commission of their cooperation in ensuring the success of development projects in their areas. They also urged OSOPADEC to prioritize job creation, healthcare, education, electricity, and infrastructure.

Source: Facebook| Allen Sowore, Esq.