The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has begun consultation with relevant stakeholders on ensuring the fair acquisition of agricultural land between investors, communities, and the government in order to bring the state closer to international best practices and increase the ease of doing business.
The Programme Coordinator, Mrs Mosunmola Owo-Odunsi, said the framework was in line with the state development plan of 2017-2030 reform agenda, to accelerate strategic reforms and foster public investment for greater private sector participation in the economy, speaking at the Stakeholders engagement forum titled: ‘Framework For Responsible Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investments’, held at Ilaro in the Yewa-South Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by the OGSTEP Social Specialist, Dr Kehinde Thomas, the Coordinator noted that the introduction of fairness and transparency to the land-based investment process would reduce land conflicts and attract more investment opportunities as well as development to rural areas.
Ogun state land acquisition
In a statement by Gbenga Moronfolu and Doyinsola Ajisebutu, Press Officers, Ministry of Agriculture, OGSTEP FRILIA specialist, Olotu Dipo Shofowora, said the purpose of FRILIA was to attract investors to the state, further boost the economic development and livelihood of the people.
Affirming that the framework was sought to ensure that all parties involved benefit maximally, Shofowora added that such partnership would see farmers becoming contracted out-growers, benefiting from agricultural inputs, training on extension and agricultural best practices, infrastructural amenities, and access to ready off-takers.
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In his remarks, the chairman Yewa-South Local Government, Hon. Salami Lateef commended the state government for the initiative, saying that the people of Yewa-South are ready to welcome such an initiative that would herald development for the area.
The Programme Manager OGSTEP Agric, Dr Oluseyi Olugbire noted that the 20 LGAs of the state were targeted as beneficiaries of the framework, adding that the government remains committed to the transformation of the economic structure of the state.
