Reviving OSOPADEC for the Accelerated Development of Oil Producing-Communities in the State
By Allen Sowore, Esq.
In the year 2000, under the visionary leadership of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) was established. Its mission was to manage 40% of the state’s 13% oil derivation fund, aimed at accelerating the development of oil-producing communities.
Although the commission achieved limited success during Chief Adefarati’s tenure, it became a transformative force during Dr. Olusegun Agagu’s administration. The infrastructure projects executed by OSOPADEC at that time—roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and housing units across Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs—were truly remarkable.
Beyond infrastructure, OSOPADEC became a beacon of hope in the areas of education, through bursaries and scholarships, and health, with various health initiatives. It also empowered women who were petty traders. In essence, OSOPADEC was the lifeline for the people of Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs.
Unfortunately, after Dr. Agagu’s tenure, the commission lost its way, becoming a conduit for corruption within the system.
However, a new dawn appears on the horizon with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the helm. The appointment of Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole as the Commission’s Secretary has begun to yield positive results. In less than eight months, the Governor has turned the Commission’s fortunes around.
OSOPADEC has successfully cleared water hyacinths and other aquatic plants that previously obstructed the waterways. It has also resumed payment of outstanding bursaries and scholarships for students in tertiary institutions.
Recently, I attended a 2-day workshop on E-Scholarship/Bursary Administration, Innovative Education Methods, and Leadership Strategies for staff and tutors from the Commission’s mandate areas. The renewed enthusiasm among the staff was palpable—they were motivated, and their hope in a functioning Commission has been rekindled.
On August 22nd, the Commission began disbursing ₦53 million to 343 students pursuing PGD, MSc, and Ph.D. degrees. This is in addition to the sum of N320m disbursed in early August to the undergraduate students from Ilaje and Ese -Odo LGAs in the various tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The Governor has pledged the regular remittance of the statutory 40% of the 13% oil derivation fund to the Commission, in line with its founding law. He is committed to emulating the successful tenure of Dr. Olusegun Agagu and is focused on repositioning OSOPADEC to achieve the ultimate goal of developing the mandate areas to an enviable position.
With Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa leading the charge, there is hope that OSOPADEC’s lost glory will be restored. It is, therefore, imperative for every concerned individual to look beyond politics and support the seamless and methodical transformation of the critical sectors of our economy.
Comrade Allen Sowore, Esq., is the SSA to the Ondo State Governor on Strategic Communication.
23rd August, 2024