The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has reiterated its commitment to improving student welfare, revitalising infrastructure, and promoting grassroots development across its mandate areas.
This assurance was given during an engagement with student leaders from Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, where discussions centred on bursary payments, educational support, and community-focused interventions.
The meeting, which had in attendance representatives of the National Association of Ilaje Students and the Federation of Ese-Odo Local Government Students, provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on transparency and sustainable development initiatives.
Speaking at the forum, the Executive Chairman of the commission, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, said the agency would prioritise the completion of abandoned projects rather than embarking on new ones.
He noted that several projects, particularly in the education and health sectors in communities such as Mahin and Agadagba-Obon, had remained uncompleted, adding that efforts were underway to deliver them for public use.
Poroye said, “It is important that ongoing projects are completed and made functional for the benefit of the people before new ones are initiated.”
He further disclosed that the commission was exploring public-private partnerships to deliver critical infrastructure, including hostel accommodation in tertiary institutions across the state. These, he said, include Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at providing affordable housing for students, with preference given to indigenes of the commission’s mandate areas.
On youth empowerment, Poroye urged students to embrace investment opportunities, particularly in real estate and other long-term ventures. He revealed that land had been allocated in parts of Ilaje and Akure North local government areas to encourage wealth creation among young people, citing the Coastville Estate project as a successful example.
The chairman also highlighted improvements in bursary administration, noting that the adoption of digital processes had enhanced efficiency and transparency, with beneficiaries now receiving payments seamlessly.
He added that a proposal for an upward review of bursary allowances had been forwarded to the state government.
Poroye further announced plans to disburse ₦400m as palliative support to residents of Obe-Nla, Obe-Adun, and Obe-Jedo, assuring that strict accountability mechanisms had been put in place to ensure transparency.
“Every kobo will be accounted for, as public funds must be judiciously utilised for the benefit of all,” he said, adding that area office directors would oversee the distribution process.
He also outlined ongoing interventions in water supply and maintenance of waterways, stressing that prudent resource management remained a priority for the commission.
In his remarks, the National President of the National Association of Ilaje Students, Eyiwumi Dare Joshua, commended the leadership of the commission, describing it as inclusive and result-driven. He pledged the continued support of the student body.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the commission, Festus Adewale Omomowo, praised the students for their constructive engagement, noting that their approach had strengthened mutual understanding.
Earlier, the Director of Community Welfare, Kayode Ebiseni, said the meeting was convened to review the 2023/2024 bursary scheme and commence preparations for the next cycle.
He reaffirmed the commission’s role in supporting students in oil-producing areas, commending successive student leaders for sustaining dialogue with the agency.
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