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Industrial Hub: Ajimobi assures landowners of compensation.
GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state on Tuesday assured landowners at Akilapa and Kuponiyi villages along Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state that he would pay due compensation for all lands acquired for industrial purpose.
The assurance was given through the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ajiboye Omodeewu at a meeting held with the representatives of landowners from the villages where parcel of land were acquired by the government for its industrial revolution.
Ajimobi explained that for ease of doing business and trade in the State, land must be made available to investors so as to increase government’s internally-generated revenue (IGR), create employment and wealth, reflate the economy as well as industrialize the state.
The Governor said, “we all need to make sacrifice for good things we desire and we as the representative of the government are ready to ensure that we follow due diligence and do the needful for the people of the state. We are ready to pay compensation to the landowners but we will initially enumerate properties according to the stipulation of law.
“The request of the villagers on what will benefit them when the foreign companies start working is natural and we want to assure that the companies will abide by the corporate social responsibility code. They will provide social amenities for the people and these might include the establishment of hospitals, schools and other benefits.
“We implore our people to key into the vision of the government towards increasing employment opportunities, wealth creation and building financial capacity through industrialization,” Governor Ajimobi concluded.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation from the two villages, Alhaji Rasaq Akilapa said that the people in the communities shared the vision of the Ajimobi administration to create an industrial hub in their villages through the Pacesetter-Polaris Free Trade Zone and Industrial park.
Akilapa informed reporters of the readiness of the dwellers of both villages to always support the government in improving the quality of lives of residents of Oyo State.
He, therefore called on the government to speed up the compensation process saying “the people of Akilapa and Kuponiyi communities where the Free Trade Zone and the Industrial park are located are happy for development and we know we will be the most benefitting party. Our prayer is that the compensation payment be fast tracked.”
It will be recalled that the State government went into collaboration with about 175 investors from China have expressed readiness to stake multimillion dollars in investments towards the Pacesetter-Polaris Free Trade Zone project in November 2016. The companies include vehicle-assembly plants, solar power manufacturers among others. The first set of investors is expected this month.
Engr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has disclosed that the nation’s oil and gas reserves have risen to 37.50 billion barrels as of January 1, 2024.
This marks an increase from the 37.046 billion barrels recorded in May 2022.
Komolafe emphasised the implementation of robust policies aimed at enhancing and optimising oil and gas operations across the country.
Notably, gas reserves stand at 102.59 trillion cubic feet (TCF), with non-associated gas reserves reaching 106.67 TCF, culminating in a total of 209.26 TCF of gas reserves.
Addressing concerns during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday regarding crude supply regulation and enforcement, Komolafe underscored the importance of prioritising feedstock supply to local refineries while addressing grievances from oil producers and the Dangote Refinery within specified timelines.
This announcement follows recent reports of a decline in Nigeria’s crude oil production during February and March 2024.
According to data from the April 2024 Monthly Oil Market Report of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria’s crude oil production (excluding condensates) experienced its second consecutive monthly decrease, dropping to 1.231 million barrels per day in March from 1.322 million barrels per day in February.
OPEC attributed this decline, amounting to a reduction of 91,000 barrels per day, to factors communicated directly from Nigeria.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has commiserated with the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari over the loss of his mother, Alhaja Buhari.
The matriarch, who passed away on Monday, April 8, has left a void in the family that Oseni described as irreparable.
In a condolence message released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, and made available to newsmen, the lawmaker expressed his deep sympathy, praying for Alhaja Buhari to find eternal rest in the arms of God.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, urged Senator Buhari and his family to find solace in the legacy of achievements left behind by their late matriarch.
He emphasised the importance of cherishing the memories of her life and the successes attained by her children.
The statement read, “Distinguished Senator Buhari, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mama, Alhaja Buhari. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
“Alhaja was a pillar of strength and a source of love and guidance for your family and community. Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“May you and your family find comfort and solace in the cherished memories you shared with her, and may the love and support of friends and well-wishers provide you with strength and courage in the days ahead.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through this time of grief”, Oseni continued.
As Muslims globally observe Eid-el-Fitr, signifying the conclusion of the Ramadan fast, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has called upon Nigerians to prioritise nation-building efforts during this festive period.
Oseni, in a statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, emphasised the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the nation’s development agenda.
He highlighted the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for reflection, gratitude, and community solidarity.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, let us not forget the critical task of nation-building that lies before us. Nigeria’s progress depends on our ability to work together, transcend divisions, and build a cohesive society,” the lawmaker stated.
The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to set aside differences and focus on common goals that promote peace, unity, and socio-economic prosperity.
Emphasising the need for inclusivity, Oseni encouraged citizens to actively participate in initiatives aimed at fostering national cohesion and development.
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