Oil-producing communities in Ilaje Ugboland, Ondo State, have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving their inclusion in pipeline and oil and gas facilities surveillance operations.

This was contained in a statement signed by Prince Adejugba Ogundere, Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Ondo State chapter, who described the move as a boost to security and community participation in the Niger Delta.

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OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR

His Excellency,
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House, Abuja.

Your Excellency Sir,

APPRECIATION FOR THE INCLUSION OF ILAJE UGBOLAND IN PIPELINE AND OIL & GAS FACILITIES SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS

We write on behalf of the peace-loving and resource-hosting people of Ilaje Ugboland, Ondo State, to express our profound gratitude and appreciation for your visionary leadership and commitment to inclusive governance, particularly as demonstrated in the recent inclusion of Ilaje communities in pipeline and oil & gas facilities surveillance operations.

Your Excellency, this thoughtful decision reflects your administration’s deep understanding of the strategic importance of host communities in safeguarding critical national assets. It is a clear demonstration of your resolve to promote equity, security, and sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.

We also wish to commend Tantita Security Services for its professionalism and collaborative approach in working with host communities. Their engagement has not only strengthened surveillance architecture but has also fostered trust, cooperation, and a renewed sense of responsibility among our people.

Ilaje Ugboland remains a vital oil and gas corridor within the Niger Delta, hosting key offshore and onshore assets that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy security. The inclusion of our communities in surveillance operations is both timely and strategic, as it leverages our deep knowledge of the terrain, waterways, and local dynamics to enhance protection efforts.

This initiative is well aligned with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which recognizes host communities as critical stakeholders in the sustainability and security of oil and gas infrastructure. By integrating Ilaje Ugboland into this framework, your administration has further reinforced the principles of accountability, ownership, and community participation.

The benefits of this inclusion are already evident:

Strengthened protection of oil and gas facilities
Reduction in vandalism and illegal activities
Improved intelligence gathering and response
Enhanced peace and stability within the region

Your Excellency, this action has renewed hope among our people and reaffirmed our confidence in your leadership. It stands as a model of how government, private security operators, and host communities can work together for national progress.

OUR COMMITMENT

In return, we assure Your Excellency of our unwavering commitment to:

Protecting all oil and gas infrastructure within Ilaje Ugboland
Supporting government policies and security initiatives
Maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation across our communities

CONCLUSION

Your Excellency, we sincerely thank you for this landmark decision and for your continued dedication to inclusive governance and national development. We also appreciate Tantita Security Services for recognizing the value of community partnership in achieving lasting security.

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.

Yours faithfully,

Prince Adejugba Ogundere
Chairman: HOSTCOM Ondo State Chapter

In a bold stride towards energy sustainability, the Executive Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, Hon. Joshua Fola Ogunduyilemi, has announced major progress on the Bolorunduro Solar Power Project. This update was shared through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Otunba Akintayo Abayomi Akinrinmade—fondly known as Otunba Triple A.

The project is a direct response to the persistent power challenges in Bolorunduro, the LG headquarters, following advocacy from the youth community and concerned citizens.

Hon. Joshua’s administration, aligned with the OUR EASE agenda of Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government, is prioritizing clean energy solutions to fast-track development.

This solar initiative is being implemented through a collaborative effort between the office of the Executive Chairman, the SA on Energy to the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly Hon. Tope Adegboye, and Fazna Solar Energy LLC, Dubai. The core of the project is the installation of a Mini Grid Solar Power System, aimed at delivering reliable, uninterrupted, and eco-friendly electricity to Bolorunduro.

Key Highlights of the Project:

Sustainable Energy: Utilizing solar power reduces dependence on national grid inconsistencies and transmission challenges.

Economic Catalyst: The project is poised to attract investment and stimulate local business growth.

Broader Vision: It fits into Hon. Joshua’s commitment to uplift infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment in Ondo East.


As work on the project advances, residents can anticipate: Improved economic activity, upgraded public infrastructure and enhanced quality of life.


Hon. Joshua calls on all citizens to remain patient and optimistic, assuring that “all hands are on deck to ensure this project becomes a lasting legacy.” With agreements finalized and implementation already underway, a brighter, cleaner future is truly on the horizon for Bolorunduro and all of Ondo East.

By Damilola Atóyèbí

The President of the Ondo East Youth Council, Comrade Tomide Akinkuolie, has made a passionate appeal to the Ondo State Government, philanthropic individuals, and indigenes in the diaspora to urgently intervene and resolve the 12-year power outage that has paralyzed socio-economic activities in Ondo East Local Government.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with our correspondent at the Council Secretariat in Bolorunduro, Akinkuolie lamented the severe impact of the prolonged blackout, particularly on the youth.

“It is heartbreaking that for over a decade, Bolorunduro, the headquarters of Ondo East, and several other communities have been in total darkness. The absence of electricity has compounded our challenges: bad roads, lack of potable water, and poorly equipped health centers,” he said.

He noted that even existing health facilities are struggling to function without power, endangering patients and hindering effective healthcare delivery.

“Students can’t study at night, which is often the most productive time for them. Even simple school assignments that require electricity become difficult. Many families can’t iron their children’s uniforms, making school attendance a struggle,” Akinkuolie added.

The power outage has also crippled small businesses such as welding and fabrication shops, computer centers, and cyber cafes, worsening the unemployment rate and forcing many youths to migrate in search of better opportunities.

“Our young people are leaving the community in droves. Ondo East is losing its vibrancy and becoming deserted,” he warned.

Akinkuolie appealed to the state government under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, private sector players, and well-meaning sons and daughters of Ondo East to urgently intervene and restore electricity as a vital step toward economic revival.

He acknowledged the efforts of some political leaders, including the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji Landmark, for facilitating boreholes across the 10 wards in Ondo East and supporting educational initiatives like ICT programs.

He also commended Hon. Abiola Makinde, the member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire for their contributions, while urging them to do more particularly in addressing the power crisis.

Akinkuolie specially appreciated the Executive Chairman of Ondo East, Hon. Ogunduyilemi Fola Joshua a.k.a Joshua of our Time, for his contributions towards the progress of the LG, and Hon. John Ogunmoyero, CEO of the HOJ Movement of Liberation, for consistently advocating for electricity restoration through the “Bring Back Light” campaign and for supporting youth skill acquisition programs.

Also Hon Adegboye Tope John, SA on energy to Rt. Hon. Speaker oladiji Olamide Landmark who has been in support and bringing investors to lighten up some communities like fagbo, lomileju and others, with solar energy.

Leaders who received commendation for their contributions to youth empowerment and local development include Barr. Adesuyi Daramola, Hon. Akintemi Collins  Dr. Femi Akinkuebi, Dr. Jibayo Samuel Oyebade, and Hon. Joseph Itanola Akinlaja, among others.

The Youth Council President called for the provision of additional infrastructure and better youth engagement, urging leaders to visit the local government and see the situation firsthand.

“Our roads are in terrible condition. We’ve had several meetings with our representatives, who have made promises, but we are yet to see concrete action. I am using this medium to remind them before it’s too late,” he emphasized.

He expressed concern that continued neglect would lead to further deterioration of the community, driving more residents away and stripping the area of its cultural and economic value.

“The health sector is in shambles, there is no fully functional health center in the entire local government,” he added.

On behalf of the Ondo East Youth Council, Akinkuolie made a heartfelt plea to all stakeholders, including community leaders, diaspora indigenes, and philanthropists, to support efforts in restoring the lost glory of the local government.

He concluded by appreciating the resilience and support of the youths in the area, expressing hope that their voices would soon be heard.