Delta Government to return unused acquired lands to owners

By Dave Okpogadie, Asaba

Delta State Commissioner for Lands and Surveys, Mrs Kate Onianwa has hinted the State Government would return unused acquired lands to the land owners.

The commissioner disclosed this in her office in Asaba during a meeting with Oghara Elders Council and some land owners of the acquired land which was used to build Oghara Teaching Hospital and its extension in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

She stated that the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa had given the directive that all unused acquired lands should be returned to the real owners, adding that keeping the land was not profitable to the government nor the communities.

The commissioner also stated the decision of the government to give back acquired lands to the land owners would pay the land owners more than the acquisition.

She stated that there was no political undertone in government’s decision to return lands to them, stressing that the same issue was applicable in Agbor, Owa Alero and Ibusa communities.

Onianwa promised the Oghara representatives that estate valuers and some staff of her ministry would put in their professional experience to ensure that the lands were returned to the real owners.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Elders Council, Chief Godwin Ikogho expressed dissatisfaction over the delayed decision of the government, stating that some land owners would have completed their buildings before the present inflation in the country.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Elder Council, Mr Benson Eki commended the commissioner for her efforts and commitment to ensure that peace was restored in the community and prayed God to always guide and protect the commissioner.