Towards ensuring ease of acquiring land for agriculture: Ogun foster closer ties with Stakeholders

In order to bring the state into closer alignment with international best practices and further boost ease of doing business, Ogun state Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has commenced consultation with relevant stakeholders on ensuring fair acquisition of agricultural land between investors, communities, and government.

Speaking at the Stakeholders engagement forum for ‘Framework For Responsible Inclusive Land-intensive Agricultural Investments’, held at Ilaro in Yewa-South local government area of the state, the Program Coordinator , OGSTEP, 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.

Represented by the OGSTEP Social Specialist, Dr. Kehinde Thomas, the coordinator noted that the introduction of fairness and transparency to the process of land based investment would reduce land conflicts and attract more investment opportunities as well as development to rural areas.

Also speaking, OGSTEP FRILIA specialist, Olotu Dipo Shofowora, said the purpose of FRILIA was to attract investors to the state to further boost economic development and livelihood of the people. Adding that the framework sought to ensure that all parties involved benefit maximally.

Shofowora stated further that such partnership would see farmers becoming contracted out-growers, benefiting from agricultural inputs, training on extension and agricultural best practices, infrastrural amenities as well as access to ready off-takers.

In his remark, 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 initiative that would herald development for the area.

The Project Manager, Agric sector OGSTEP, Dr. Oluseyi Olugbire, noted that the 20 local government areas of the state were targeted as beneficiaries of the framework. Saying government was committed to the transformation of the economic structure of the state.