Claims that Dr. Princess Abike Ilawole left OSOPADEC with a trail of abandoned projects are not holding up under scrutiny. An independent investigation by NewsfloNg across Ilaje and Ese-Odo riverine communities shows a different picture, one of delivery under tight budgets and direct labour execution before the current board took over.

The sponsored story in circulation painted her tenure as Secretary as “marked with uncompleted projects.” NewsfloNg set out to verify this by tracking every project approved during Dr. Ilawole’s time, before the inauguration of Mr. Biyi Poroye’s board. The findings tell another story.

OSOPADEC documents and physical checks by our reporters confirm that 16 projects were approved for renovation/rehabilitation under Dr. Ilawole. The status breakdown:

Fully Completed – 10 projects
1. L. A Pry Schl. Ori-Oke Iwa Mimo – Completed 
2. Abe-Oroyomi – Completed 
3. UNA Pry Schl, One Adun-Obe-Nla – Completed 
4. AMHS, Amepere – Completed 
5. Amatebi – Completed 
6. Com Pry. Sch. Kelema – Completed 
7. St. Judes Pry Schl. Alagbon – Completed 
8. FACM Pry Schl. Arogbo – Completed 
9. Wooden walkway & Jetty, Motoro – Completed 
10. Aheri Grammar Schl. Agerige – Completed 

Substantially Completed – 3 projects
11. Olotu – Only doors and windows remaining 
12. Idogun – Only ceilings remaining 
13. Ajegunle – Ceilings, doors and windows remaining 

Pending Due to External Factors – 3 projects
14. Imoluma – Contractor returned to site but was instructed by the Commission to hold on pending further directive 
15. Ikorigho – Roofing completed; work stopped when allocated funds were exhausted 
16. Area Office – Finishing touches remaining; Commission spent above approved amount through private intervention
 
Beyond classrooms and offices, 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, access is survival. OSOPADEC awarded and executed landing jetties at Obe-nla and *Obe Lomore*. The *Stone Jetty at Obe Lomore* stands out — a permanent structure replacing weak wooden alternatives, built to withstand tidal pressure and give fishermen, traders and commuters a safe berth. Both jetties are now part of the projects being commissioned by the new administration.

NewsfloNg visited Agerige, Abe Oroyomi, Arogbo, Alagbon and Igbokoda. The structures are in use. Schools are running classes. 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.

The same appreciation came from Abe-Oroyomi, Alagbon and Arogbo, where leaders described the interventions as “visible and needed.”

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.

The facts on ground 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 shows projects delivered within available resources. As the new board commissions them, the focus should be on completion, maintenance, and expanding access for oil-producing communities.