Mr. Segun Olowoparija, a keen observer of the activities of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has directed an Open Letter to the New Chairman of the Commission, highlighting his concerns, especially in the OSOPADEC Mandate Areas. In this open letter, Mr. Segun shared his thoughts on the key areas that require the attention.
This open letter urges the OSOPADEC Chairman and Board to prioritise transparency, collaboration, and impactful leadership in their administration, highlighting the need for inclusive decision-making, clear communication, and programs that drive lasting developmental impact in the mandate area.
Read the Full Text of the Open Letter Below:
OPEN LETTER TO OSOPADEC CHAIRMAN AND BOARD: A CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY, COLLABORATION, AND IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP
Prince Biyi Poroye, Chairman, OSOPADEC
Members of the OSOPADEC Board
Dear Chairman and Board Members,
I write this letter as a concerned former student union leader from the OSOPADEC mandate area, motivated by the responsibility to speak truthfully in the interest of students and communities from Ilaje and Ese-Odo. While I acknowledge and commend the recent approval of the 2023/2024 OSOPADEC bursary by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; a much-needed intervention in a difficult economic climate, it is important to point out some gaps that must not be ignored.
First, there is an urgent need for transparency. The announcement of the bursary approval was met with optimism, but many questions remain unanswered. The total amount approved, the exact number of beneficiaries and the expected timeline were all omitted. This lack of detail is concerning and does little to assure the public of accountability in the disbursement process. These are funds meant for a specific group of students from the oil-producing mandate areas. Beneficiaries and stakeholders deserve clear, public information on how these funds will be disbursed. Transparency not only strengthens trust in public institutions, but also deters mismanagement and fosters a sense of fairness and inclusion.
Second, I must express concern regarding stakeholder engagement. While I recognize your commendable interaction with the leadership of the National Association of Ilaje Students (NAIS), it is equally important to involve the Federation of Ese-Odo Local Government Students (FELGOS) in all discussions and decisions concerning student welfare. Both Ilaje and Ese-Odo make up the core of the OSOPADEC mandate area. Any initiative that excludes one side, either in perception or reality, risks deepening divisions and eroding the credibility of such programs. True development is inclusive, and meaningful collaboration must reflect the diversity and representation of our student population.
Furthermore, the new OSOPADEC board must look beyond bursaries and move toward programs that have lasting developmental impact. Students in the mandate areas need more than financial support; they need access to training, job opportunities, leadership development, and social support systems. A single scholarship or summit cannot address the systemic challenges facing young people in these communities. We must begin to think bigger and act more intentionally. If OSOPADEC can build a model for youth empowerment beyond bursary cycles, it would mark a new chapter in the Commission’s legacy.
Therefore, I charge the new board to take bold steps, to embrace full transparency, and to foster stronger collaboration with all relevant student groups. Engage openly, act swiftly, and communicate clearly. Let your tenure be defined not by promises but by impact; impact that is measurable, visible, and transformational. There is a unique opportunity here to regain the trust of students and communities who have long hoped for more from OSOPADEC. This opportunity must not be wasted.
This letter is not written in protest but in hope. Hope that the leadership of OSOPADEC will listen to the voices from the grassroots and chart a path forward that uplifts every student, every family, and every future in Ilaje and Ese-Odo. As someone who has walked the path of student leadership, I believe in the potential of this mandate area and the capacity of this board to make a difference. The question now is—will you?
Yours Sincerely,
Segun Olowoparija
Former Student Union Leader
From the OSOPADEC Mandate Area
24th July, 2025.
