The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured investors of land allocation in the state as long as their investments and intentions are genuine.

The Governor made this known last week at the distribution of Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) to 5,000 beneficiaries at the Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, said in keeping with the plans of the present administration to make the state the investors hub not only in Nigeria, but the West African sub-region, the process of acquiring land in the state has been automated to speed up the process.

He noted that it is no longer business as usual, as the Lands Department has been transformed to perform optimally, saying the distribution of 5,000 CofO was a signpost that transparency is now the order of the day in the administration of land in the state.

The Governor, who attributed the non performance of the Lands Department in the past to ‘cabals’ said the office is now operating on a clean slate as the former staff have been moved to make room for higher performance.

He sympathised with those who went through severe ordeal in accessing their land documents, saying with the documents, it would bring peace of mind and signifies that the land has been allocated to them.

In their goodwill messages, Commissioner for Physical Planning, Hon. Tunji Odulami, said though the process started about six years ago through the Homeowner Charter put in place by the past administration, many people would not complete and access their land title documents.

He said the distribution of CofO to 5,000 people was an indication that the present administration, apart from taking the bull by the horns, was a promise keeping government, urging the beneficiaries to complete the process by obtaining their building plans as well.

Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Jamiu Omoniyi, while congratulating the recipients, noted that the land documents given by the government would legitimise and prop up the value of their properties, calling on those yet to apply for theirs to do so without delay.

In his welcome address, Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Arch. Segun Fowora, noted that land plays an important part in human activities as no activity could take place with land.

He said the introduction of the Ogun State Land Administration and Revenue Management System (OLAMS), by the Governor Abiodun-led administration was to speed the process of land administration and make it seamless, maintaining that the Bureau of Lands would continue to implement the governor’s vision on land matters.

One of the recipients and former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ayilara Adedoyin, lauded the state government for the initiative, noting that it would help in legitimising their properties and give them peace of mind.

The Ogun State Governor; Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed optimism towards the exploration of oil in Tongeji Island and Olokola in Ipokia and Ogun Waterside local government areas of the state respectively.

The Governor noted that the state would soon be given frontier status and join the league of oil-producing states in the country.

Prince Abiodun stated this during the presentation of the year 2024 Appropriation Bill christiened “Budget of Sustained Growth and Development” at the Ogun State House of Assembly.

The Governor said, “Discussions are ongoing regarding the exploration of oil in Tongeji Island, Ipokia Local Government Area, and Olokola, in Ogun Water-Side Local Government Area, respectively. We are confident that very soon, we will be given frontier status and will soon join the league of oil-producing states.”

Abiodun also disclosed that his administration in preparation for its new status as an oil producing state has established the Ministry of Mineral Resources saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the general administration and operation of the natural resources that abound in the state.

He also disclosed that his administration has established the Ministry of Energy to take advantage of the constitutional amendment that allows sub-national governments to participate in the energy sector.

The Governor, who also disclosed that an Education Summit would be held in the first quarter of  2024, said that numerous challenges facing the sector would be considered with a view to repositioning education in the state.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has officially launched the groundbreaking 1st NPF Open National Mixed Martial Arts Championship that held on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2023 in Abuja at the MoshoodAbiola National Stadium, Abuja.

In his address during the inauguration on Saturday, December 2, 2023, the IGP underscored the significance of this championship in not only enhancing policing services but also contributing to the broader development of sports in Nigeria. The event was poised to foster collaboration and mutual respect among participating agencies, showcasing the commitment of law enforcement to community policing.

As part of the preparation for this championship, the Force conducted a comprehensive 2-day seminar titled “Sensitisation on the Rules and Regulations of Mixed Martial Arts.” The seminar brought together athletes and officials from the Police, Para-military, and other law enforcement agencies, along with representatives from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Development.

The IGP called on all participating athletes and agencies to showcase their best performances while adhering to the rules and maintaining the spirit of sportsmanship.

The competition will feature various categories, including the Beginners Mixed Martial Arts events, highlighting a combination of grappling, striking, and ground fighting.