The Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Elder Sam Erejuwa on Friday 9th September, flagged off the CONSTRUCTION of a Mini Water Supply Scheme with Treatment Plant in Molutehin, an oil producing community in Ugbo axis of Ilaje Local Government Area.

This was in furtherance of the determination and commitment of Governor Akeredolu’s administration to the development of the Niger Delta region of Ondo State.

Addressing the people of the community, Erejuwa said the state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is part of them and therefore understands their numerous challenges and will do the needful.

In his words: “I bring you greetings from my boss, and our Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. I am here on his behalf to see, first hand, the problems of Ilaje. We can see the challenges are enormous ranging from lack of toilets, lack of good water to drink and for domestic use. The wooden jetties and foot bridges are in very bad states. Our schools and houses are being wiped out by the sea incursion. This is extremely sad”.

The Chairman however promised the people that in this critical moment, their interest is in the heart of the State Government, and through OSOPADEC their lives will be made better even in the face of global economic hardship.

“We are not here to lament but to solve these problems as much as we can. Water is life. However, access to portable water is a great problem here. I am overwhelmed because this is what people take for granted in other places. Today, I can assure you that our amiable leader and the people’s Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who is equally a stakeholder in Ilaje and Ese-Odo loves us and he’s always ready to put smiles on our faces”.

“No doubt, paucity of funds and the harsh economic situation in the country, and the world at large are great challenges, but Arakunrin will not relent in making life better for his people. The Government needs your prayers and support to achieve more.”

“We are not here for politics, but to commence project that will have positive impact on the lives of our people. Our Governor does not like abandoned projects. Therefore this water scheme will be completed and commissioned to the glory of God and the benefits of mankind”.

The OSOPADEC Chairman further stressed that the goal of the project is to reticulate the water to other communities. He appealed to the traditional ruler and the people, especially the youths to offer their maximum cooperation for the project Contractor. He disclosed that the contractor has been instructed to actively engage the youths and train a good number of them on how to operate the equipment after completion.

The Baale of Molutehin community, Chief Pius Aghorunse on behalf of his chiefs and subjects appreciated Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for remembering them at this critical time. He promised that the whole community will be on alert to protect the Contractor and the project.

In their separate goodwill messages, Commissioner representing Ilaje in the OSOPADEC Board , Hon. Raphael Adegboye, together with his counterpart, Hon.(Mrs.) Mosun Odukale appreciated Governor Akeredolu for his magnanimity to the mandate areas and its people. They both assured that their people will remain loyal to the All Progressive Congress (APC) and continue to support the Akeredolu administration.

As part of his itinerary, Sam Erejuwa with his team comprising the Commission’s Board Members, Senior Management Staff, the Chairman’s Aides and some Officers of Project Department visited the Comprehensive Health Center in Ilowo.

Moving round the health facility, Erejuwa described it as eyesore. He noted that his administration will contribute its quota in giving the facility a facelift, and make the personnel comfortable to undertake their ‘life saving assignments’.

The team also visited the sea incursion ravaged community of Ayetoro where Erejuwa soberly addressed the people. He beholds the havoc done on Ayetoro Community and the trauma of her people by the surge.

To Erejuwa, OSOPADEC is dumbfunded as this is a natural disaster which the Commission alone will not be able to address. He appealed to the relevant Governmental and Non-governmental agencies, including International partners to come to the rescue of Ayetoro from going into total extinction.