Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN on Wednesday 7th September, passed a vote of confidence on the Sam Erejuwa leadership of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC); lauding the agency for complementing the security apparatus of the State Government.

Governor Akeredolu gave this commendation during the commissioning of OSOPADEC Newly Renovated Office Complex in Oba-Ile and the presentation of Patrol Vehicles and Motorbikes to Security formations from Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of Ondo state.Governor Akeredolu congratulated the Chairman of the Commission, Elder Sam Erejuwa for the legacy event saying this will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people in the Niger Delta region of the State.

Assuring his administration’s unwavering commitment in making life better for the people of the mandate areas, Arakunrin Akeredolu recounted some of the life changing projects awarded by his administration across Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas.

These projects include: the 28.5km Aboto-Atijere Road (#8.804Billion), Rehabilitation and Asphalt Overlay from Akintubuwa Junction to Alape (#5.49Billion), Construction of 1km Igbotu Road (#221.1Million), the Mini Water Scheme and Water Treatment Plant at Molutehin (#82 Million), Renovation of 14 Primary Schools (#227 Million), Construction of the General Hospital, Agadagba Obon (#336 Million) and Araromi – Lekki Road awarded in two lots (#33Billion) amongst others.

“OSOPADEC is as important as other agencies in Ondo State. I am also from the mandate area. I know lots of work is going on in the mandate areas, and that money can never be enough. But in spite of the limited fund, we will continue to provide money for you to make impacts.” Arakunrin Akeredolu assured.

Presenting the Security Patrol Vehicles and Motorbikes to the Chairmen of Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas, Governor Akeredolu vowed that his administration will continue to take the bull by the horn to protect the people of the State. He charged the custodians of the vehicles to restrict the usage to the purpose they are meant for.

In his words: ”I must note particularly that OSOPADEC has decided to key into the enhancement of security surveillance of the State Government. The Chairmen of Ilaje and Ese-Odo had come a few times that they needed patrol vehicles, now, OSOPADEC is providing them one. These vehicles are to be used for surveillance and protection of lives of our people in the mandate areas. Please use them for the purpose they are meant for. They are purely for security and not for politics nor for running errands”.

Earlier in his welcome address, Elder Sam Erejuwa appreciated Mr. Governor’s support for the Commission and his love for the people of the mandate areas. This he said has been exemplified through the release of funds, without which the Commission wouldn’t have achieved these feats.

Erejuwa lamented that when he resumed office about seven months ago, he was not pleased to see his staff working in deplorable condition. This he said aroused his determination to complete the office renovation which had been ongoing for about five years.

”OSOPADEC is about the transformation of lives, total prosperity and environmental sustainability. However, people that will transform lives must have a conducive place to work, and be productive. This necessitated the completion of the renovation which has been on for about five years. I am lucky this is achieved during my tenure. It is not by my power, but for God’s Grace and the support of our dear Governor. No doubt the Newly Renovated Offices will enhance our productivity. I am overseeing competent staff and professionals. The only thing standing between us and optimal service delivery is money” Erejuwa stated.

The Chairman assured that the Commission under his administration will not deviate from the REDEEMED Agenda of the current administration.According to him, “within these seven months, out of 100 abandoned housing units, we have completed over 30 and another 30 housing units will be completed before the end of the year. We also have school renovations going on. As more money comes into the Commission, more visible developments will be achieved in the mandate areas. Mr. Governor, We will continue to carry out your REDEEMED Agenda and represent you well in the mandate areas”.

On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of the Commission, Erejuwa prayed for more wisdom for the Governor and wished him well as he works tirelessly to secure the lives of citizens and residents across the State.

Giving the closing remarks, the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Victor Koledoye tagged the event as unprecedented being the first time the Commission will host a sitting Governor. The Governor’s visit, he said further testifies that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is one of us in the mandate area.

Koledoye assured that the Commission will continue to make the Governor proud by not derailing from its mandate as an interventionist agency.

Present at the event were the Deputy Governor, HE, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Akin Sowore, Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, APC Chairman Engr. Ade Adetimehin.

Others are; Hon. Goke Jatuwase Chairman, Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Folawe Sipasi-Aluko, Chairman, Ese-odo Local Government.

OSOPADEC Board members, Chairman’s Aides and other Management Staff.