Ondo State Government has said it will not displace farmers at the Ofosu forest reserve, but would integrate them for better yields and improved income.
The Senior Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo state Governor on Agric and AgriBusiness, Pastor Akin Olotu made this declaration in Akure while speaking with journalists on the recent development at Idanre.
Olotu said the move was to rule out the insinuations of the alleged sales of the farmlands at Ofosu to Chinese Company by the State Government.
Olotu describedthe development at Ofosu as a ‘mix up’ which would properly be addressed at an appropriate time.
The SSA said government has designed a programme to bring farmers of same produce together as a cluster like how it is being practiced in developed countries.
This, he noted, will be able to meet the requirement, to get things done in the proper way and make it easier for the extension officers and other agricultural benefits get to them through one road.
Farmers at Idanre, Idanre local government of Ondo State had staged a peaceful protest over the alleged move by the state government to take over their lands for private use.
This is just as Festus Akingbaso, the Member Representing Idanre Constituency at the Ondo State House of Assembly, has kicked against the alleged attempt .
“The fact is that the area known as Idanre Forest Reserve (A05) was submitted to the colonial power under the British indirect rule by an agreement dated 22nd day of September 1918 between Idanre Community and the colonial power represented by the Governor – General.
“The terms of the agreement are explicit. Among which is that, “the area was constituted as a Forest Reserve for the joint use and benefit of Government and the Native communities owning the land”.
“The reality on ground is that the government will not be able to manage the economic and social consequences of this move. Government exists to protect the interest of the people not few opportunists in our midst.
I’m appealing to the Governor to stop this move and protect the image of its government.
