NEWS
Rent: Ondo Govt Will Soon Begin Full Enforcement Against Defaulters In State Forests -Alabora
The Consultant to Ondo State Government on farmers registration and collection of land rent in the forest reserves, Mr Femi Ajayi-Alabora has stated that the government will soon begin full enforcement against defaulters who have not been captured nor paid the approved land rent.
The Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of God Lovely Nig Enterprise disclosed this on Tuesday 28th January, 2025 during a stakeholders meeting with the forest farmers held at Adegbemile Cultural Centre Akure.
It could be recalled that, on the 13th of August, 2024, the government of Ondo State and the Consultant held a meeting with the farmers where amount to be paid as land rent was agreed cum capturing of all farmers.
Alabora as popularly called said the firm has begun light enforcement against violators in the state forest reserves, saying the government would be left with no option than to wade the big stick to defaulters who refuse to do the needful.
He frowned at the farmers that are yet to be captured and still owning land rent saying farmers with multiple farms need to be sincere with the government by registering all the farms rather than short changing the government.
He added that Governor Aiyedatiwa is a farmers friendly governor that prioritize the welfare of the farmers saying their support will bring more benefits to both the farmers and government of Ondo State.
He noted that both the farmers and investors interest would be protected by the government, provided they are law abiding citizens.
Alabora warned the farmers to be wary of fake people parading themselves as the company agents or staff of the state Ministry of Agriculture saying only God Lovely Nig Enterprise has government approval to register and collect rent from the farmers.
In his goodwill message, Hon Micheal Bolodeoku SSA on Produce to the governor assured the farmers of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa support to them while asking them to continue to thank the people’s governor for allowing them to eke a living in the forest.
Hon Rotimi Wemimo SSA on Agricbusiness and empowerment urged the farmers to cooperate with the Consultant, asking them not to pay land rent to any staff from his office as God Lovely Nig Enterprise is the only company approved for such payment.
The SSA on Forestry, Hon Taofeek Adedibu said the registration from the government is for the benefit of the farmers saying a lot of benefits await them if they cooperate with the government.
He warned the farmers against burning of Ticks and government trees saying whoever caught would face the full wrath of the law.
Mr Rotimi Olofinlaye Representative of the ODIRS said the farm rent so far collected has been deposited into government coffer through the consultant, urging every Farmers to register and pay their farm rent as at when due.
On his part, Hon Gbenga Atiba, SSA on Security Matters assured the farmers of their safety saying the governor has no intention of evacuating them from the reserves provided they work in line with the rules and regulations that kept them in the reserves.
The duo of Mr Gbenga Akingbasote and Mrs Foluke Daramola, the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry respectively commended the governor for allowing the farmers to engage in farming activities unlike past governments that sent them out.
They appealed to the farmers to cooperate with the government and do all that are requires of them which have been spelled out in the maiden stakeholders meeting held with them last year.
” It is compulsory for all farmers in the reserves to be registered, pay land rent and hold Identity Card. To those who have not done all these, the window of opportunity is still open to do the needful before government begins full enforcement”.