The Executive Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye has called on the international community, development partners, environmental organizations, and relevant stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to address the devastating impact of sea incursion and climate change affecting coastal communities in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of Ondo State.
Prince Poroye made the appeal during the commemoration of the 2026 World Environment Day held in Aiyetoro, one of the worst-hit riverine communities in Ondo state, Nigeria.
The OSOPADEC Chairman, accompanied by members of the Commission’s management team, top government officials, and stakeholders, embarked on an inspection tour of Aiyetoro before the event. The delegation traveled through Ugbo-Nla to Aiyetoro by boat, where they assessed firsthand the extensive damage caused by persistent sea surges and coastal erosion. The team visited several affected areas to evaluate the scale of destruction and explore possible solutions to mitigate the environmental challenges facing the community.
Upon arrival, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the palace before proceeding to the event venue located on the community’s waterfront.
In his welcome address, the OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Poroye emphasised the significance of World Environment Day as the United Nations’ foremost platform for environmental awareness and action. Speaking on this year’s theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” he stressed the need for collective responsibility in protecting the environment and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
The OSOPADEC Chairman expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering commitment to the development and environmental sustainability of the state’s riverine communities. He also commended the Ondo State Ministry of Environment for its partnership in advancing environmental protection initiatives across the state.
Highlighting ongoing developmental efforts, Prince Poroye congratulated residents of the mandate areas on several projects recently approved and awarded by the Ondo State Government through OSOPADEC. These include the construction of naval checkpoints and landing jetties in Atijere, Ebighan, and Apata; a Marine Police Checkpoint in Odun Oyinbo; the supply of 4,000 twin desks and chairs to schools in Ilaje and Ese-Odo; community identification and listing exercises; road construction projects; and the provision of concrete landing jetties at strategic locations across the two local government areas.
According to him, these projects are designed not only to improve infrastructure and security but also to enhance environmental resilience and sustainable development in the coastal communities.
Prince Poroye, however, noted that the occasion was not merely a celebration but also an opportunity to draw attention to the severe environmental challenges confronting communities in the mandate areas. He described Aiyetoro as a stark reminder of the realities of climate change, stating that decades of sea incursions have destroyed homes, schools, roads, economic assets, and significant portions of the community’s landmass.
“Aiyetoro’s situation is a reminder to the world that climate change is real and that vulnerable coastal communities require urgent intervention and support,” he said.
The Chairman expressed optimism that the environmental challenges could be overcome through deliberate government policies, shoreline protection measures, ecosystem restoration, afforestation programmes, and stronger partnerships among governments, development agencies, private organizations, and local communities.
He further appealed to the Federal Government, international development partners, oil and gas companies, environmental organizations, and philanthropists to join hands in restoring hope and protecting the livelihoods of residents in the affected communities.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Aiyetoro residents, community leader Mrs. Mofeoluwa Arowolo appreciated OSOPADEC’s intervention efforts while drawing attention to the growing health and environmental challenges facing the community. She cited the prevalence of malaria and the continuous threat posed by sea incursion and appealed for urgent government intervention to save Aiyetoro from further destruction.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Relations and Public Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Kikelomo, assured residents that the Ondo State Government remains committed to addressing the community’s environmental challenges. She encouraged residents to maintain proper hygiene while reaffirming the government’s determination to ensure the safety and well-being of the people.
Representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko commended Prince Poroye and OSOPADEC for their dedication to the welfare of coastal communities. He stated that the governor deeply understands the plight of Aiyetoro and other affected communities in the mandate areas, while the commission remains passionate about finding lasting solutions to the environmental challenges affecting the community.
As part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration, ceremonial tree planting was carried out by the community’s leader, OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, government officials, and other stakeholders, symbolizing a renewed commitment to environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
The event ended with a strong call for collective action and international support to address the environmental crisis threatening Aiyetoro and other vulnerable coastal communities in Ilaje and Ese-Odo, reaffirming that with cooperation and commitment, environmental restoration and sustainable development remain achievable goals.
