By Paul Joseph
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commissioned a one-kilometre concrete walkway and a potable water supply scheme in Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area, while flagging off the construction of an additional three-kilometre concrete walkway as part of efforts to improve infrastructure in the state’s riverine communities.
Speaking during the inauguration on Saturday, Aiyedatiwa said the projects reflect his administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable development across Ondo State, stressing that communities facing geographical challenges would not be left behind under his EASE agenda.
The governor described the projects as critical interventions that will improve mobility, safety, access to healthcare and education, and economic activities for residents who have long depended on unsafe wooden walkways.
He also assured the people that his administration would commence land reclamation projects to create more habitable land in the riverine areas.
Aiyedatiwa also commissioned a rehabilitated potable water scheme, upgraded from a previously abandoned borehole, with a 50,000-litre overhead tank, water reticulation network and reverse osmosis treatment facility to provide safe drinking water for Obe-Nla and neighbouring communities.
The governor highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across Ilaje and other coastal communities, including major road constructions, hospital upgrades and water projects, while reaffirming his administration’s collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to tackle coastal erosion, flooding and sea incursion.
Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the projects demonstrate the government’s determination to deliver meaningful development to riverine communities. He added that the new three-kilometre walkway has been redesigned with a wider structure to improve access for canoes.
Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Olabiyi Poroye, described the projects as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of oil-producing communities.
He highlighted the commission’s achievements, including scholarships for 4,873 students, support for vulnerable groups, security initiatives and the completion of several infrastructure projects across Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
Poroye also unveiled OSOPADEC’s climate change agenda, announcing plans to participate in the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, to seek international partnerships for tackling coastal erosion and climate challenges affecting Ondo’s shoreline communities.
He further disclosed that the commission will host an International Conference on Climate Change in Abuja in March 2027 to promote sustainable solutions for coastal development.
The event was attended by senior government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders.
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