By ABIODUN LAWAL

The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, has issued a stern warning to individuals illegally occupying government agricultural land, directing them to vacate immediately.

Owotomo gave the warning in Abeokuta during an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.

The commissioner noted that the state government had invested heavily in agricultural projects and infrastructure designed to boost food security, create jobs, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers.

According to him, unallocated farmlands are reserved for specific programmes and must not be taken over unlawfully, stressing that such encroachment posed a serious threat to the state’s agricultural development plans.

He explained that the encroachment on government agricultural lands undermined the goals of the present administration and constituted a criminal act.

Owotomo warned that offenders who refused to vacate would face legal consequences without exception, as the government would no longer tolerate lawlessness.

“The state government is committed to ensuring that all lands designated for agricultural purposes are properly allocated and utilized for food production.

“Those who continue to occupy these lands illegally should vacate now or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Owotomo reiterated that the state was prioritizing agriculture as a key driver of its economic transformation agenda.

He assured genuine farmers and investors of the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment, including secure land access, improved infrastructure, and essential support services.

The commissioner, therefore, urged all stakeholders, including community leaders and residents, to cooperate with the government by reporting cases of land grabbing in their areas.

He maintained that protecting government agricultural land was crucial for the success of ongoing projects aimed at strengthening food security and reducing unemployment in the state. (NAN)

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