* Gov unveils projects to change riverine areas development narrative
John Odunayo
For the people of Obe-Nla community in Ilaje Local Government Area of the State, it was with joy that they witnessed the official commencement of construction of a 1000-meter concrete walkway with an accompanying jetty on Monday.
The beauty is the fact that the jetty, which Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa flagged off the construction on the occasion, is a clear departure from the usual construction of wooden structures in the riverine areas of the state.
Beside, the concrete walkway, will have streetlights to illuminate the path of users.
The community had been unrelenting in its demand for a durable and safe concrete walkway administration after administration in the state.
Aiyedatiwa, who said that the impactful project is one of many that will be embarked upon to change the narrative of development in the riverine areas, described the initiative as a testament to his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.
The governor said, “We have deliberately factored into the project durability; and daily safety and comfort of our people as they make use of the concrete walkway and jetty to ensure long-term benefits for our people”.
He reiterated his administration’s dedication to the overall development of Ondo State, mentioning other key projects underway to include completion of 28.5-kilometer Aboto-Atijere Road, the third phase of the Igbokoda-Ayetoro Road construction, and the imminent commencement of a 4.72-kilometer link road between Ugbonla and Ayetoro.
In addition to road infrastructure, the governor noted recent developments such as the inauguration of the Ode-Erinje Electricity Sub-station by the Federal Government, which has restored power to the Southern Senatorial District after 15 years.
He praised the collaboration with service providers to ensure the availability of pre-paid meters, enhancing electricity access in Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje, and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also noted the ongoing construction of the coastal highway from Lagos to Calabar by the Federal Government, which will include a route through the coastal area of Ondo State, further opening up the region for development.
The Governor assured residents that the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) would receive the statutory 40 per cent of the 13 per cent Oil Derivation Fund as first line charge to expedite ongoing and future projects in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.
Earlier in his welcome address, OSOPADEC Chairman, Hon. Sam Erejuwa, explained that “the governor’s vision is to enhance the quality of life for the people of the riverine area by improving connectivity among communities”.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan, commended the governor on the project, saying, “It shows his commitment to the rapid development of the oil producing communities”.
