Ondo Oil Producing Communities’ Stakeholders Hail Abike Ilawole As “Epitome of Transformation” At OSOPADEC
…Commend Concrete Jetties, School Renovations as NewsfloNg visited the area
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Stakeholders in Ondo’s oil producing communities have applauded the development strides of Mrs. Abike Ilawole during her tenure as Secretary and Administrator of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC, describing her as “an epitome of transformation.”
“She Changed the Narrative” — Community Voices
Stakeholders pointed to the construction of concrete landing jetties at Obe-nla and Obe Lomore, alongside the renovation and transformation of several dilapidated primary schools across Ilaje and Ese-Odo, as unprecedented achievements in the area.
Speaking to NewsfloNg, stakeholder Oluwole Erukubami said: “We are used to wooden walkway or landing jetties in this area, but today, our precious daughter has changed the narrative. These concrete jetties have changed the face of development in the area.”
Fact-Check Backs Stakeholders’ Position
The commendations align with an independent NewsfloNg investigation that debunked claims that Dr. Princess Abike Ilawole left OSOPADEC with a trail of abandoned projects.
A sponsored story in circulation had painted her tenure as “marked with uncompleted projects.” NewsfloNg tracked every project approved during Dr. Ilawole’s time before the inauguration of Mr. Biyi Poroye’s board, with physical verification across riverine communities.
Findings: 16 Projects, 13 Fully/Substantially Completed
OSOPADEC documents and on-site checks confirm 16 projects were approved for renovation/rehabilitation under Dr. Ilawole:
Fully Completed – 10 projects
L. A Pry Schl. Ori-Oke Iwa Mimo – Completed
Abe-Oroyomi – Completed
UNA Pry Schl, One Adun-Obe-Nla – Completed
AMHS, Amepere – Completed
Amatebi – Completed
Com Pry. Sch. Kelema – Completed
St. Judes Pry Schl. Alagbon – Completed
FACM Pry Schl. Arogbo – Completed
Wooden walkway & Jetty, Motoro – Completed
Aheri Grammar Schl. Agerige – Completed
Substantially Completed – 3 projects
Olotu – Only doors and windows remaining
Idogun – Only ceilings remaining
Ajegunle – Ceilings, doors and windows remaining
Pending Due to External Factors – 3 projects
Imoluma – Contractor returned to site but was instructed by the Commission to hold on pending further directive
Ikorigho – Roofing completed; work stopped when allocated funds were exhausted
Area Office – Finishing touches remaining; Commission spent above approved amount through private intervention
Beyond Schools: Power and Riverine Access
Beyond classrooms, OSOPADEC, working with BEDC during Dr. Ilawole’s period, supplied, repaired and rehabilitated over 14 transformers across riverine communities. NewsfloNg confirmed functional transformers at Ilaje LGA Secretariat and Okoga, Igbokoda, currently powering homes and businesses.
For coastal communities where access is survival, OSOPADEC awarded and executed landing jetties at Obe-nla and Obe Lomore. The Stone Jetty at Obe Lomore stands out as a permanent structure replacing weak wooden alternatives. Built to withstand tidal pressure, it gives fishermen, traders and commuters a safe berth. Both jetties are now among projects being commissioned by the new administration.
On-the-Ground Verification
NewsfloNg visited Agerige, Abe Oroyomi, Arogbo, Alagbon and Igbokoda. The structures are in use, schools are running classes, and residents are accessing power.
At Agerige, High Chief Thomas Kudehinbu told NewsfloNg that OSOPADEC’s last major presence in the community school was “years ago,” and pledged that the community would protect the new infrastructure.
Abe-Oroyomi, Alagbon and Arogbo leaders gave similar feedback, describing the interventions as “visible and needed.”
Context of Delivery
About 20 projects were approved for renovation in that period. 16 were handled directly under Dr. Ilawole through direct labour before the board transition. Those tagged “incomplete” were either at finishing stages or halted due to funds released by the Commission, not abandoned by the former Secretary.
A commission insider said direct labour was adopted because most projects had small budget ceilings, leaving no real profit margin for contractors.
Stakeholders’ Verdict
The facts on ground, stakeholders say, do not support the narrative of abandonment. From renovated schools and functional transformers to the stone jetty at Obe Lomore and the walkway/jetty at Motoro, Dr. Ilawole’s tenure reflects projects delivered within available resources.
As the new board commissions the projects, stakeholders say the focus should now be on completion, maintenance, and expanding access for oil-producing communities