The Ogun State government has warned applicants for the homeowners charter scheme to be wary of antics of individuals who have been engaging in sharp practices in the name of giving help to applicants to facilitate the process of getting their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).

The government gave the warning in Abeokuta, the state capital while handling over Certificates of Occupancy to about 1,000 beneficiaries of the scheme.

Those who were yet to receive their certificates were told to exercise patience as the government said it had stepped up its process of quick service delivery.

“It is heartwarming to note that the homeowners programme is aimed at allowing homeowners to regularize the status and documentation of their properties in order to have opportunities to obtain building plan approvals, Certificates of Occupancy and other documents.”

“Here we are today to show our commitment to this project which is widely known to have positive impact on people over the years. I believe this ceremony will further reinforce your faith in this administration, but please do not fall victim of some wolves in the sheep’s clothing that want to prey on you in the name of giving helping hands.”

In the light of this, the state government has advised applicants to report any case of extortion by staff and officials to any of its ministry, department and agencies for action.

“The government is stepping up the process to allow applicants get their C OF O, should be wary of the antics of these fraudulent individuals and report any case of extortion to the appropriate quarters.”

This time around another set of 1,000 beneficiaries were being handed over their C of O and title documents.

The homeowners scheme was introduced by the state government in 2014 to provide opportunity for residents to obtain the C of O at a reduced cost and in a way to plan for development in the areas of infrastructure development. It has no doubt come with challenges which some people are taking advantage to dupe unsuspecting applicants.

Since its introduction, about 170,000 applications were received with 35,000 processed and 12,000 beneficiaries received their Certificate of Occupancy and title documents. (Channels TV)

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