The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, has issued a stern warning to individuals illegally occupying government agricultural land to vacate immediately.
Hon. Owotomo, gave the warning in Abeokuta, during an interview with journalists, saying that the government had invested heavily in agricultural projects and infrastructure designed to boost food security, create jobs and enhance the livelihoods of farmers.
According to him ‘’unallocated farmlands are reserved for specific programmes and must not be taken over unlawfully as such encroachment poses a serious threat to the State’s agricultural development plans.’’
He explained that encroachment on government agricultural lands would not only undermine the goals of the administration but also constitute a criminal act, warning that offenders who refused to vacate would face legal consequences without exception, as the government would no longer tolerate lawlessness.
“The State government is committed to ensuring that all lands designated for agricultural purposes are properly allocated and utilised for food production. Those who continue to occupy these lands illegally should vacate now or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law, ‘’ the commissioner said.
Owotomo reiterated that Ogun State had prioritised agriculture as a key driver of its economic transformation agenda, assuring genuine farmers and investors of government’s commitment towards providing them with the enabling environment, including secured access to land, improved infrastructure and necessary support services.
The commissioner therefore urged all stakeholders, including community leaders and residents, to cooperate with the government by reporting cases of land grabbing in their areas. He maintained that protecting government agricultural land was crucial for the success of ongoing projects aimed at strengthening food security and reducing unemployment in the State.
