The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), Worldwide, has called on the Ondo State Government to review the leadership and performance of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), citing concerns over what it described as insufficient developmental impact in the state’s oil-producing communities.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the President of the Forum, Comrade Austin Ozobo, and made available to Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters on Thursday.
According to the Forum, one year after the appointment of OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, residents of the Commission’s mandate areas, particularly Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, continue to face significant socio-economic and infrastructural challenges.
The group listed poor road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare services, limited access to potable water, shoreline erosion, environmental degradation, unemployment, and economic hardship among the pressing issues confronting oil-producing communities in the state.
While acknowledging reports of project inspections and announcements by the Commission, the Forum expressed concern that many communities were yet to experience sufficient completed projects capable of delivering meaningful and measurable benefits to residents.
“The people of the oil-producing areas deserve visible and sustainable development that reflects the resources generated from their communities,” the statement noted.
IPF urged the Ondo State Government to undertake a comprehensive assessment of OSOPADEC’s performance over the past year to determine the Commission’s effectiveness in delivering on its mandate.
The Forum further called for renewed commitment towards addressing the developmental needs of the state’s oil-bearing communities through improved infrastructure, enhanced public services, environmental protection initiatives, and expanded economic opportunities.
According to the group, a thorough review aimed at strengthening the Commission’s effectiveness would help restore public confidence and accelerate development across Ilaje, Ese-Odo, and other oil-producing communities in Ondo State.
Efforts to obtain an official response from OSOPADEC regarding the concerns raised by the Forum were not immediately successful as of the time of filing this report.