‎AGRIC DEVELOPMENT: ONDO ASSURES FARMERS OF BETTER DAYS

‎Ondo State Government has reassured local farmers in the State of the protection of their businesses and personal interest inspite of efforts geared towards acquiring large expanse of lands for global agricultural development and investors in the Akoko area of the State. 

‎The Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, stated this when State actors and investors paid an on-the-spot visit to Iboropa and Auga communities, as part of efforts to familiarise with communities where large scale mechanised agricultural activities are scheduled to kick start.

‎The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary, Agriculture Sub-Sector, Mrs. Foluke Daramola, said the visit was part of the Ministry's community engagement strategy, to ensure traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and landowners are all informed about the government's projection for agricultural industrialization.

‎He assured landowners and community leaders that no ceded land would be used for purposes other than agriculture, stressing that the terms and conditions would be clearly spelt out in the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by all stakeholders. 

‎"Land ceded will be strictly for agricultural industrialization purposes and for no other use," he stated. 

‎He urged communities to nominate representatives to serve on the Committee that will be set up, to ensure transparency in the entire process. He noted that the government would ensure landowners are adequately compensated in line with the rules of engagement, while also ensuring that investors get value for their money.

‎"As a government, we are going to ensure that everybody is carried along in this Scheme. Nobody will be cheated when handing over their lands, and the investors who bring in funds will also make profits from their investments. We are committed to ensuring a win-win situation," he said.

‎The Commissioner further explained that no land would be outrightly purchased, instead, it would be on a lease arrangement, with all terms and conditions agreed upon by all stakeholders.

‎Whilst urging members of the communities to carry everyone along, the Commissioner urged the people to involve their sons and daughters in the diaspora for better understanding and information dissemination.

He assured that the government would prevent conflicts between communities and investors, and where any arises, there would be adequate mechanism for crises management and resolution.

‎In separate remarks, the Oluboropa of Iboropa Akoko, Oba Babatunde Olaleye, and the Alauga of Auga Akoko, Oba Samuel Agunloye, thanked the government for bringing the multi-billion-dollar agricultural project to their domains. 

‎They said the project would transform the host communities, Akoko landscape, Ondo State, and Nigeria at large, as the high volume of products expected would increase internally generated revenue. 

‎The monarchs said the project would attract development to their kingdoms and create thousands of job opportunities for their subjects.