Aiyedatiwa Approves Historic N33.8 Billion OSOPADEC Budget for 2025

Ondo State Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved a record N33.8 billion budget for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) for the 2025 fiscal year, the highest ever allocation for the commission. The fund aims to tackle critical infrastructure deficits and socio-economic challenges in the oil-producing communities of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

The announcement was made on June 16 during the inauguration of OSOPADEC’s newly constituted Board at the Cocoa Conference Centre in Akure. Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the budget will support key projects in roads, schools, water supply, health centres, housing, youth and women empowerment, scholarships, and skill acquisition centres, aligned with his administration’s “OUR EASE” policy focused on Access, Service, and Empowerment.

He highlighted that the recent amendment of the OSOPADEC Act has repositioned the commission for greater efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. The governor charged the board members to serve with integrity and diligence, assuring full government support contingent on transparency and measurable results. He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society to support the board’s mission to transform the oil-bearing communities.

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The budget proposal, previously submitted to the Ondo State House of Assembly, earmarks about N4.47 billion for recurrent expenditure and N29.11 billion for capital projects, reflecting a strong focus on infrastructural development and community empowerment.

Prince Biyi Olaleye Poroye, the new OSOPADEC Chairman, expressed commitment to delivering impactful development and thanked the governor for the confidence placed in the board.

The inauguration was attended by key state officials including the Deputy Governor, Chief Judge, Speaker of the House, and other dignitaries.