Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Elder Sam Erejuwa has again assured the people of Ilaje and Ese-Odo of the determination of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration to bring democratic dividends to their doorsteps.

Erejuwa gave this assurance on Thursday 8th September, while leading the Board and Management of the Commission to handover the construction of Igbotu Township road in Ese-Odo Local Government.

At the event, Erejuwa lauded the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN for the show of love for his people in the Niger Delta region of the State. This he said has been demonstrated through Mr. Governor determination to positively transform the lives of the old and young ones.

The approval of the road, according to him and consequent release of funds for the construction of the road will no doubt attract monumental development to the ancient town, and to the entire Apoi land.

“I bring to you greetings from your illustrious son, my amiable leader, and our Talk and Do Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. His interest in the development of Apoi land is unequal”.

“This project is for the progress of Igbotu and Apoi land in general. A good and accessible road is one of the factors that attract rapid development in any community”.

“We need your maximum cooperation to succeed. A good number of our youths will be engaged by the contractor as the project progresses”. Erejuwa said.

The OSOPADEC Chairman further hinted that the Commission, under his leadership is set to put smiles on the faces of the women through granting of soft loans to boost their trades. Erejuwa therefore urged the would be beneficiaries to judiciously utilize the interest-free loans which will be equitably shared across the two Local Government Areas.

The high point of the event was the handing over of the Project Design to the Contractor, Engr. Adegbenro Akinsole of Hidden Treasures Consulting Ltd, through the Director, Planning and Development, Engr. O.S Ogunsemore, Consultant to the Project, Engineer Joseph Odunayo of Jay-Evas Consulting Engineering Ltd, Secretary to the Board of the Commission, Dr. Victor Koledoye, and the Chairman, Elder Sam Erejuwa.

Earlier in his address, OSOPADEC Secretary, Dr. Victor Koledoye commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN for prioritising the welfare of the people of Ilaje and Ese-Odo.Going down memory lane, Koledoye informed that the project was first awarded about three years ago.

In his words, “this project was awarded in the year 2019, construction could not commence due to paucity of funds. However, this new Board, under the competent leadership of the Chairman, Sam Erejuwa revisited the project and started the process of completion, today the rest is history”.

Koledoye affirmed that the current administration is determined to complete the project and deliver it in record time. He said this good gesture will equally be extended to neighbouring communities.

Paramount ruler, HIM, Oba (Prof.) Sunday Adejimula Amuseghan, the Kalasuwe of Apio land and the host monarch, Oba Adeniyi Ajayi, the Gbaluwe of Igbotu in separate remarks were full of joy as they showered encomiums on the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. To them, Akeredolu is a worthy son of Apoi land who has exhibited undiluted love for Apoi people. This is reflected in the appointment of prominent sons and daughters of Apoi land into leadership positions in the State.

According to them, his huge investment in human development, security, health, education and infrastructure is also unrivalled. The respected monarchs and their subjects were equally full of joy and lauded Mr. Governor on the anticipated location of the College of Health Science in the community.

Oba Sunday Amuseghan on behalf of other traditional heads, Chiefs and entire Apoi people assured the Governor of their prayers and renewed support for his administration. He prayed for strength and more wisdom as the Governor works day and night to make Ondo State a secured and prosperous State for all.

Speaking on behalf of Hidden Treasures Ltd, Engineer Adegbenro Akinsole, promised good and quality job which will be completed and delivered in due time. He appealed for more cooperation and support from the youth and the entire community.

Present at the event were: Hon. Akin Sowore, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Folawe Sipasi-Aluko, Chairman, Ese-Odo Local Government.

Others are; Traditional Rulers across Apoi land, OSOPADEC Board members, Core Management Staff, Aides to the Chairman and Field Technical Officers.