Ogun Govt threatens to demolish illegal structures on Agro-Cargo Airport corridor
By Omobolaji Adekunle, Abeokuta
Ogun State Government has stated that it would not hesitate to demolish any illegal structure encroaching government land with particular reference to illegal structures springing up at the Agro-Cargo Airport corridor in the state.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPl Olatunji Odunlami, who stated this in a chat with journalists in Abeokuta, lamented the activities of encroachers, who he said have taken over most land acquired by the government in the interest of the public.
He expressed concern with the way illegal structures were springing up in the Agro-Cargo Airport corridor, adding that all structures in the area that contravened government regulation would be pulled down.
According to him, several contravention notices served the encroachers in the area were ignored, and the government has no other option than to demolish such structures.
“The Agro-Cargo Airport, which is set to commence scheduled flights soon, is a legacy project of this administration that is already attracting foreign partners to invest in the State. Such investment will generate employment opportunities that will impact positively on the development of the area, and bring visibility to the State,” Odunlami noted.
The Commissioner further stated that the government would not stand by and allow the activities of some people to negate international standards on situating airports and other public facilities, as the closeness of such structures to the airport posed a threat to the quality of lives of the inhabitants of such buildings.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, advised the public to approach relevant government agencies before committing their resources into lands and projects that might not align with the overall goal of government, affirming that government is a continuum and acquired lands would be developed in the course of time.
“When the Airport becomes fully operational, the noise from the aeroplanes alone can lead to health hazards for those living near it, and this is only one of the several challenges poised from living in such an area. Ogun State will continue to follow international aviation standards for citing of airports, even as it works to protect the welfare of its people,” the Special Adviser noted.
