The Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) says it will intervene in the reclamation of Ayetoro community being ravaged by sea incursion if the Federal Government fails.
Chairman of OSOPADEC, Mr. Biyi Poroye, made the pledge on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a news conference on his six-month leadership at the commission.
Poroye said every community in the coastal area of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Area would be reclaimed.
“Within three years, we can reclaim the entire area but we need more money and the sand we even need is in the sea.
“Reclamation of Ayetoro and other communities will be done. And there is no big deal about it since we know what to do.
“We are aware that Federal Government has interest in it and has been on this for sometimes.
“We are of the opinion to give them some time, but if they fail to implement what they have for us by next year, we will start the project.
“We have to save Ayetoro because if Ayetoro fails, the entire area is gone. Even our water project in Aboto is already tasting salty,
“So, we are cautious of this reality that Ayetoro must be saved and protected to save the entire area,” he stated.
The chairman said the reclamation project of Obe Nla Community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area had been approved by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Poroye added that the commission was in the process of awarding the project to a contractor.
According to him, it is incumbent on the commission to make its requests known to the governor for approval and disbursement.
“In the past, most governors did not spend the money meant for the commission and it was as if Ilaje and Ese Odo were not part of the state.
“It was only Adefarati and Agagu that were excepted.
“We now have a governor that has dedicated a bank account for the commission’s money.
“What we need to do is to make a request and he approves it. He ensures that what is fair to one is fair to all,” he said.
According to him, the commission will continue to partner with interventionist partners for seamless implementation of various projects in the coastal area.
The chairman explained that all achievements recorded in the last six months could be attributed to timely approval of all requests made available to the governor.
By Alaba Olusola Oke