By Bukola Olamona
The Ondo State Government is set to intensify enforcement against defaulters who have failed to register or pay the approved land rent for farms within the state’s forest reserves.
Mr. Femi Ajayi-Alabora, the government’s consultant on farmers’ registration and land rent collection, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting with forest farmers held at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre in Akure.
Ajayi-Alabora noted that while initial enforcement measures had commenced, the government would escalate actions against those who continue to flout the regulations.
He expressed disappointment that some farmers, particularly those with multiple farms, had yet to register all their holdings and urged them to comply fully with the government’s directives.
The consultant commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to farmers’ welfare, stating that compliance with the land rent policy would benefit both the farmers and the state.
He assured law-abiding farmers and investors of the government’s continued support.
Farmers were also warned against dealing with unauthorised agents, as only God Lovely Nig Enterprise has the official mandate to register farmers and collect land rents.
Mr. Micheal Bolodeoku, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Produce to the governor, reassured farmers of the government’s support and urged them to appreciate the administration’s efforts in sustaining their livelihoods.
Similarly, SSA on Agribusiness and Empowerment, Rotimi Wemimo, advised farmers to cooperate with the consultant and ensure they pay land rents only through the authorised agent.
SSA on Forestry, Taofeek Adedibu, stressed that the registration process was designed for farmers’ benefit and cautioned against the burning of Ticks and government-owned trees, warning that violators would face strict legal consequences.
Mr. Rotimi Olofinlaye, representing the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), disclosed that all collected farm rents had been remitted to the state’s coffers through the consultant. He urged farmers to complete their registration and payment without delay.
On security concerns, SSA on Security Matters, Gbenga Atiba, assured farmers that the government had no plans to displace them from the reserves, provided they adhere to the stipulated regulations.