Ondo govt gives contractor two-month ultimatum on abandoned market project
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has issued a two-month deadline for the completion of the long-abandoned Omuro International Market in Ode-Ugbo, declaring that the project must be delivered before November.
The OSOPADEC Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, gave the directive during an inspection tour of projects in the mandate areas, saying the commission was determined to complete all abandoned and ongoing projects across the oil-producing communities.
Poroye expressed satisfaction with the renewed pace of work at the market site after over 16 years of abandonment, noting that the contractor had shown greater commitment since the commission’s last visit.
“We were not happy with what we met on ground during our last visit, but today the contractor has shown seriousness and capacity. I am happy with the progress and I believe the project will be delivered within the stipulated time,” he said.
The OSOPADEC boss stressed that the contractor had been given a maximum of two months to complete the market, assuring that the commission would provide the necessary support to ensure timely delivery.
He also commended contractors handling projects in difficult riverine communities, revealing that work was progressing on jetties, walkways and other infrastructure projects following what he described as a clear directive from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Speaking on the significance of the Omuro International Market, Poroye said the commission had reviewed parts of the project design to include environmentally sustainable features, adding that provisions had also been made for future expansion due to the market’s expected economic potential.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Ugbo Kingdom, Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, commended the state government and OSOPADEC for reviving the abandoned project, noting that the project will bring succor to residents.
