OSOPADEC Seeks Global Partnerships To Combat Coastal Erosion In Ondo Communities

‎The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has commenced moves to attract global support and partnerships to tackle the devastating effects of coastal erosion and ocean surge affecting communities in the state’s coastal areas.

‎The Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Poroye, disclosed this during the commissioning of a one-kilometre concrete walkway and potable water scheme in Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area, by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

‎Poroye said the Commission would participate in the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to hold in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, where it would host the OSOPADEC Pavilion in the Blue Zone to showcase the challenges facing Ondo’s coastal communities.

‎According to him, the initiative is aimed at attracting international partnerships and support towards addressing coastal erosion, ocean surge and other climate-related challenges threatening the lives and livelihoods of residents in the affected communities.

‎The OSOPADEC chairman expressed concern that communities including Ayetoro, Idi-Ogba, Gbagira, Awoye, Mese and Abereke had continued to suffer the consequences of coastal erosion and ocean surge, stressing the need for sustainable interventions to protect the communities.

‎He said, “We are taking the realities of our coastal communities to the global stage. Our participation at COP31 will provide an opportunity to showcase the challenges confronting our people, attract partnerships and seek support for climate resilience and sustainable development.”

‎Poroye also announced that OSOPADEC would host an International Conference on Climate Change in Abuja from March 15 to 17, 2027, bringing together governments, development partners, investors, researchers and climate experts to deliberate on sustainable solutions to the challenges facing coastal communities.

‎He described the commissioning of the one-kilometre concrete walkway at Obe-Nla as the fulfilment of government’s promise to the people of the oil-producing communities, saying the project would provide safer movement, improve commerce and expand access to education and healthcare.

‎The OSOPADEC boss said the commission had continued to translate resources entrusted to it into measurable development, citing the bursary and scholarship awards granted to 4,873 students from Ilaje and Ese-Odo for the 2023/2024 academic session, as well as the commencement of the 2024/2025 scheme.

‎He added that the Commission had sustained monthly stipends to traditional rulers, senior citizens and vulnerable persons, while also supporting youths engaged in surveillance and maritime security operations in the oil-producing areas.

‎Poroye listed some of the completed projects executed by the commission to include the General Hospital at Agadagba-Obon, one-kilometre Igbotu Township Road, the Obe-Nla concrete walkway and concrete landing walkways at Obe-Rewoye, Obe-Ogbaro, Obe-Magbe and Obe-Lomore.

‎Earlier, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured residents that his administration would not abandon riverine communities, saying government would embark on land reclamation to create more habitable land for residents.

He also assured vulnerable shoreline communities that the state government was collaborating with the Federal Government and development partners, including HITECH, to address coastal erosion, flooding and sea incursion.