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Illegal land allocation: Abiodun inaugurates Judicial Commission of Inquiry
Illegal land allocation: Abiodun inaugurates Judicial Commission of Inquiry
-cautions members against inducement
By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to undertake a comprehensive review, analysis, and investigation of land allocation, documentation and general land dealings in the State for the past eleven years.
A statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin in Abeokuta on Thursday said the inauguration of the 8-member Commission was done on Wednesday evening.
According to the statement the Commission head by Justice S.A Olugbemi (Rtd), Chairman has three months, in the first instance; to carry out its assignment.
The other members of the Commission are a lagal practitioner, Adetunji Onabowo; a former Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun; the Chairman, Ethics Committee, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Oyebanji Akinhanmi; an estate valuer, Toyin Aluko and a representative of the Directorate of State Services (DSS), in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday, the governor emphasized the important role of land in the economic development of any nation.
Abiodun highlighted its mandates to include unraveling the circumstances surrounding rampant illegal land transactions that have been carried out in the Ogun State land
allocation MDAs; identify and unravel all illegal land transactions that have taken place to date; identify all perpetrators involved in any discovered illegal dealings.
He added that Commission of Inquiry is also to receive and investigate general complaints from the public around land acquisition and documentation in Ogun State; make recommendations to curb bottlenecks, delays, and corruption in land acquisition and documentation in Ogun State; unravel various sums of money involved in the illegal dealings, identify the value of government loss, and recommend methods of recovery.
The governor further charged the Commission to recommend necessary punishment to be meted out to erring person(s); suggest ways to curb or forestall re-occurrence of any identified illegalities or inefficiencies; and, make any other suggestions and recommendations that could assist the state government in all other related matters.
He, however, noted that the members of the Commission are people of high integrity who are also experts in land matters and are not expected to yield to inducement or blackmail of any kind, assuring them of government support.
“I have authorised the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade SAN; and, all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to provide the required support – personnel and material – that the Commission will need to perform its task.
“In our own peculiar situation, land is our gold. It is our crude oil and thus plays a crucial role in our Administration’s “Building our Future Together” Agenda. This is more especially in the areas of agricultural production and industrialisation; affordable housing and urban renewal; rural- infrastructural development as well as employment generation.
“For us in Ogun State, providence has been very good to us and blessed us with a land mass of approximately 16,762km2. The land is rich with abundant and commercially viable mineral resources such as limestone, bitumen, granite, mica, clay, feldspar, silica sand, gypsum, kaolin, shale, phosphate, quartz, sillimanite, gemstones, etc. The land is also suitable for different agricultural and agro-processing industries”, he stated.
Quoting a data released by the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) on the production of goods nationwide across 14 industrial zones, Abiodun said Lagos and Ogun States are responsible for about 86% of all goods manufactured in Nigeria from January till May of this year translating to about ₦3.2 trillion worth of goods, while Ogun State accounted for ₦867.3 billion as of May.
He noted that by the end of the year, goods worth more than one trillion naira would have been produced in the state.
According to the governor, “we have achieved this by marketing, protecting, and transforming the vast and arable land that we are blessed with in Ogun State. We cannot afford that all these are wished away by the activities of a few dishonest people. These achievements must be supported by transparent, modern, and informed policymaking. We must identify any threats to these achievements, then take proactive effective steps to neutralise those threats and consolidate on our achievements”.
Speaking, Chairman of the Commission, Retired Justice Olugbemi, assured that his members would do their best to unravel all illegal and improper allocations of land as stipulated in the Commission’s term of reference.
He said the Commission at the end of its assignment would make recommendations that would lead to greater ease of doing business in the state, assuring that the report would also move the atate to greater height in the use of land for economic purposes.
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Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.
“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”
Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.
As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.
In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.
As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal
…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets
Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.
To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.
“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.
In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”
According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.
Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.
Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.
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