The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has begun distributing relief materials to communities in Ilaje Local Government Area following an alleged attack by naval personnel.
In October of last year, men of the Nigerian Navy reportedly invaded the communities of Obejedo, Obe-Adun, and Obe-Nla, all in Ilaje LGA, causing property damage worth millions of naira.
After the incident, residents petitioned the Nigerian Police and other relevant authorities, highlighting that many had been displaced.
During the distribution at Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje LGA, the Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Biyi Poroye, stated that the commission acted on the governor’s directive after visiting the affected areas and submitting recommendations.
The materials, which included mattresses, foodstuffs, washing machines, and other household items, were valued at N400m. Poroye said, “The motive behind this relief materials is to ameliorate the suffering of the people who were affected in the misunderstanding between some Ilaje communities and Naval military officers. Although the governor has also expressed his concern that our people should always exercise patience, especially when it has to do with engagement with the military personnels.
“A sum of N400 million was approved and spent judiciously on tangible interventions. This materials cut across the building and construction of the damaged buildings and everything. What the governor approved for was N400 million and that was what I am directed to be expended for.
“You cannot just hand over money to people and somebody will come tomorrow and say, what are the proofs? That is what you have seen.”
Poroye also highlighted other accomplishments of the commission, saying, “In reality, today, in most of our communities since I came on board, we have completed about seven jetties.
“All the abandoned and ongoing projects were given due attention. You would have seen in the air the Agadagba hospital that was there for 16 years, we have rehabilitated it, we have renovated some schools also in Ilaje.”
Dr Ola Judah, Chairman of the OSOPADEC Palliative Committee, described the exercise as deliberate and impactful. He revealed that the committee had facilitated the construction of twelve 12-bedroom houses and the rehabilitation of fourteen others, among other initiatives.
“This moment is not ceremonial, it is purposeful, deliberate, and anchored on best practices in humanitarian intervention. This intervention is aimed at restoring stability and improving living conditions for affected families.
“To stimulate local economic recovery, we have provided fifteen Yamaha outboard engines, thirteen fishing boats, and established a modern bakery,” he added.
