Aiyedatiwa unveils land reclamation plan, Commissions walkway for Ondo riverine communities

— Says walkways will end decades of risk

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced plans to reclaim land for riverine communities across the state’s coastal areas, saying the initiative is aimed at improving living conditions and addressing long-standing environmental challenges.

Aiyedatiwa disclosed this at the weekend in Obe-Nla, Ilaje Local Government Area, during the commissioning of a one-kilometre concrete walkway constructed by the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC.

The governor also flagged off the construction of a three-kilometre jetty walkway and commissioned a potable water scheme for the community.

Officials said the concrete walkway was built to last more than 100 years.

For decades, residents of many riverine communities have relied on fragile wooden walkways across swampy terrain, exposing them to accidents, injuries and mobility challenges.

“The construction of concrete walkways is a direct response to the most pressing needs of the people,” Aiyedatiwa said.

“It is the general need of our people; this is what they needed for now. As a responsive government, we could not afford to be indifferent. Today’s commissioning is therefore a practical response to genuine needs.”

Describing the project as a “corridor of hope and pathway to dignity,” the governor said it would enhance safety, improve movement within communities and boost economic activities in coastal areas.

Aiyedatiwa assured residents that government intervention would go beyond walkways. He revealed plans to embark on land reclamation to create more habitable land for riverine communities.

“We are going to give land to our people through reclamation in the days ahead. This will not be the end,” he said.

On coastal erosion and sea incursion threatening Ayetoro and other shoreline settlements, the governor said the state would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government, international development partners and private organisations to find lasting solutions.

OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Biyi Poroye, described the projects as investments that would transform the socio-economic fortunes of riverine communities.

Poroye said “This is more than the inauguration of a completed project; it is the celebration of a promise fulfilled.

“A testament to the fact that government works best when leadership is guided by compassion and driven by commitment,” Poroye said.

Poroye expressed concern over the worsening effects of climate change on coastal communities, noting that Ayetoro, Awoye, Abereke, Mese, Idi-Ogba and Gbagira continue to face severe threats from ocean surge and erosion.

He said the commission would participate in the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, in Antalya, Türkiye, to showcase the realities of Ondo’s coastal communities and seek partnerships for climate resilience.

Project Manager, Engineer Ajayi Abidemi, said the one-kilometre walkway was built to last over a century.

“With the quality that is being done on this project, this project can last more than 100 years because we followed the specification of the concrete walkway and it is piled to a depth of not less than 20 metres using casing piles,” he said.

Resident Aladetan Adegbayi described the project as the first of its kind in the area and a landmark achievement, recalling that movement was previously difficult and risky due to wooden walkways that caused frequent injuries.

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