Oyo State begins N513.4M payout to Ajia property owners
The Oyo State Government has commenced the payment of compensation amounting to N513.4 million to property owners affected by recent land acquisitions in the Ajia community, located within the Inukan Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ona Ara Local Government. The move comes as part of the state’s broader development agenda, which includes the construction of key infrastructure projects such as an Air Force Base, a General Hospital, and an ICT center in the region.
The announcement was made by Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, during a meeting with the property claimants. The commissioner emphasized that the compensation process is not only a legal requirement but also a vital component of maintaining a positive relationship between the government and the affected residents.
“Compensation is a crucial step towards fostering good relationships between the government and the residents,” Akin-Funmilayo stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring that the rights of the property owners are respected and adequately addressed.
The state government’s decision to compensate the affected property owners is part of its broader strategy to ensure that the community is not left behind in the wake of the state’s development initiatives. This gesture is expected to build trust and cooperation between the government and the local population, facilitating smoother execution of the planned projects.
The compensation amount, precisely N513,462,446.50, has been earmarked for distribution to the affected property owners. This figure was determined following a thorough identification and verification process conducted by the state government. During this process, the properties along the project corridor were carefully assessed to ensure that the compensation would be fair and reflective of the actual value of the properties.
Akin-Funmilayo explained that the state government undertook this detailed evaluation to maintain transparency and fairness. “We conducted identification and verification for the property owners along the corridor of the project, after which their properties were valued in preparation for payment of compensation,” he said.
This meticulous approach is intended to prevent any discrepancies or disputes that could arise from the compensation process. By valuing each property based on its market worth, the government aims to ensure that all affected owners are justly compensated, thereby minimizing any potential grievances.
The land acquired by the government in Ajia is designated for several significant development projects that are expected to bring substantial benefits to the region. Among these projects are the construction of an Air Force Base, a General Hospital, and an ICT center. These developments are part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s broader vision to enhance security, healthcare, and digital infrastructure in Oyo State.
The establishment of an Air Force Base in the area is particularly noteworthy, as it is expected to bolster the security framework of the state. The presence of military infrastructure will likely deter criminal activities and enhance the overall safety of the region. This, in turn, could attract further investments and spur economic growth.
The General Hospital project is another critical component of the state’s development agenda. With healthcare infrastructure often cited as a key determinant of quality of life, the new hospital is expected to significantly improve access to medical services for residents of Ajia and surrounding communities. The hospital will not only provide essential healthcare services but also create job opportunities for healthcare professionals and support staff.
The ICT center, on the other hand, represents the state’s commitment to embracing the digital age. As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in all aspects of life, the establishment of an ICT center in Ajia will equip residents with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in a digital economy. This center is expected to serve as a hub for learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to the state’s long-term economic development.
The compensation process has been met with appreciation from the affected residents, many of whom have expressed their gratitude towards the state government for its approach. One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adedokun Olalekan, thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for his empathetic stance towards the displaced residents.
“Governor Makinde has shown that he truly cares about the people by ensuring that we are not just displaced without support. This compensation will go a long way in helping us rebuild our lives,” Olalekan said.
Such sentiments reflect the positive impact that the compensation process is likely to have on the community’s perception of the government. By acknowledging the disruption caused by the land acquisition and providing financial redress, the government has taken a significant step towards ensuring that the development projects proceed with the community’s support and cooperation.
The compensation payout in Ajia is just one example of the Oyo State Government’s broader commitment to inclusive development. Under Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership, the state has embarked on an ambitious development agenda aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security across the state.
The projects in Ajia are part of a larger effort to distribute development evenly across all regions of the state, ensuring that both urban and rural areas benefit from the government’s initiatives. This approach is in line with Governor Makinde’s vision of creating a more equitable and prosperous Oyo State, where all residents have access to the resources and opportunities needed to improve their lives.
The government’s handling of the Ajia land acquisition and compensation process also sets a precedent for future projects. By demonstrating a commitment to fairness and transparency, the state government is likely to build stronger relationships with communities across Oyo State, thereby facilitating the smooth execution of other development projects.
As the Oyo State Government continues to roll out its development agenda, the commencement of compensation payments to property owners in Ajia marks a significant milestone. With over N513.4 million set aside for compensation, the government has shown its dedication to ensuring that the rights and welfare of its citizens are upheld, even in the face of large-scale development projects.
The projects planned for Ajia, including an Air Force Base, a General Hospital, and an ICT center, are expected to bring considerable benefits to the region, enhancing security, healthcare, and digital literacy. As these projects move forward, the compensation process will help to maintain a positive relationship between the government and the local community, ensuring that development is both inclusive and sustainable.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has once again demonstrated its commitment to balancing development with social responsibility. By prioritizing the needs and concerns of the affected residents, the government is laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and harmonious Oyo State, where development projects serve the interests of all its citizens.
