By Awodeyi Elizabeth
The Ondo State House of Assembly has once again reminded residents that the declaration of war against land grabbing and related crimes in the state remains fully in force.
The House Committee on Commerce and Industry gave the warning during its oversight visit to Araromi Ayesan Oil Palm Plc, and Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited,Araromi-Obu in Odigbo Local Government Area.
Led by its Chairman, Hon. Afe Felix, the committee noted that land-grabbing activities have led to displacement, conflicts, and a breakdown of order in both rural and urban areas, while also discouraging investors from putting their resources into the state.
Hon. Felix warned residents to desist from encroaching on lands that do not belong to them, stressing that anyone caught by the State Task Force on Property Protection and Anti-Land Grabbing would face the full weight of the law.
He also commended the companies as major players in the agro-allied sector, emphasising that palm fruits — highly efficient crops which produce more oil than any other vegetable oil crop deserve greater attention from government and investors.
The lawmaker further appealed to both state and federal governments to create a more conducive business environment, noting that companies like Araromi Ayesan and Rubber Estate provide vital employment opportunities for youths.
Other committee members urged the companies to carry them along in their operations, encourage local investors, and continue to train and employ Ondo youths to enhance productivity.
Responding, the General Manager of Araromi Ayesan Oil Palm Plc, Mr. Sola Ikumawoyi, appreciated the lawmakers for the visit and disclosed that the company has enormous potential for revenue generation and job creation, having already employed over 800 people. He, however, sought the committee’s support in tackling the challenge of encroachment, among other concerns.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited, Mr. Charles Turksen, highlighted the company’s contributions to host communities through various projects, including the construction of an e-library, award of scholarships, renovation of schools, and road grading, as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The committee members were later conducted round the facilities of the two companies.
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