Registration & Rent Collection: Alabora Solicits Cooperation of Farmers in Ondo State Forest Reserves
The Consultant to the State Government on farmers registration and land rent, Mr Femi Ajayi has solicited for the cooperation of the farmers farming in the Forest Reserves, saying their support will bring more benefits to both the farmers and government of Ondo State.
Speaking at the stakeholders meeting held at Adegbemile Hall, Akure on Tuesday, 13th of August, 2024, the Chairman of God Lovely Nigeria Enterprise thanked the farmers for the impressive attendance across the state.
He stated that with the new Consultant approved by the state Government to oversee the activities of farmers inside the Forest Reserves, the farmers safety top the priorities of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa led administration.
Alabora as popularly called reiterated the need for all farmers to join hands with them on the registration and rent, saying no illegal activity will be allowed in forest reserves.
While debunking the allegation of extortion from the farmers, Alabora made it known that the company has not start working let alone collecting revenue.
His words: ” On the allegation of extortion by some faceless persons that I collected money from you, I’m asking you before the world now, did I collect anything from you? If yes, let anyone with prove come out.
” The cry of extortion is coming from people who mismanage the forest and Mr Governor in his wisdom approved the management of the forest to our company because of our credibility and accountability. We are ready to fish out bad eggs in the forest and make it more conducive for farmers”.
While the farmers chorused that no Kobo was collected from them by Gods Lovely Nigeria Enterprise, Alabora further reassured them of the detrablise nature of Mr Governor who believes in equal treatment to both the indigenes and non indigenes of the state.
Alabora urged the farmers to call his attention to any under hands dealing from any member of his team, noting that whoever caught shortchanging the government will face the full wrath of the law.
He added that the company will organize training and give orientation to workers that will visit all the Forest Reserves, saying cordial human relation is key to revenue collection between the farmers and the company for proper understanding devoid of crisis.
He begged the leaders of each of the community where the Forest Reserves are domicile to cooperate with the government.
Speaking, the representative of Mr Governor, Hon Gani Mohamed, the Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategy commended the large turnout of the farmers, noting that the governor knows their importance and contributions to the food basket of the state.
The Special Adviser urged the farmers to cooperate with the government and the Consultant approved by the government while discharging their duty of collecting the mandatory revenue from the reserves.
He further stated the efforts of the state government in securing the lives and property of farmers in Ondo State, noting that Governor Aiyedatiwa bought 25 Hilux Vans for security agencies with intent of ensuring the people of the state are well protected, farmers inclusive against kidnappers, killers herdsmen and bandits.
Gani Mohamed added that Ondo State government is taking necessary steps in ensuring foreign investors in the forest reserves with issues of alleged under hands dealing and records of activities are looked into by the government.
He noted that the registration of farmers inside the Forest Reserves will help government to plan, formulate policies and programmes for the farmers aside knowing them by their identity.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola said any farmer allocated portion in the reserve will pay 20,000 per hectre and 15,000 for Identity Card which cover logistic and consultancy fees.
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