Oyo boosts agric extension services with distribution of motorcycles to officers

…demolishes illegal properties on acquired lands in Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has begun the first phase of distribution of motorcycles to Agricultural Extension Officers across the State as a demonstration of its determination to boosting agricultural extension services in the State.

Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, who gave out 15 motorcycles to the agricultural extension officers, noted that they serve as links between researchers and farmers.

According to him, extension officers play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to smallholder farmers to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ standard of living and ensure food security in the State.

He explained that the Governor Seyi Makinde’s Administration would focus on addressing some of the pressing challenges facing agricultural extension services, including systemic decline driven by several key factors.

SImilarly, the Oyo State Government has taken action against land grabbers in the State, demolishing properties on Government acquired lands in Podo Area, along Top One Garden, Oluyole Local Government, and Dizengoff, Kolapo Ishola Area, Ibadan.

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Williams Akin Funmilayo, Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, stated this on Wednesday in Ibadan.

During the exercise at the affected areas, the Commissioner said, “the lands in question are assets of the Oyo State Government, and we will not tolerate any form of encroachment or illegal occupation.”

He emphasised that those currently working on the land are not the real owners or users of the land, but “purely land grabbers”.

He added, “In accordance with Section 3, Subsection 1 of the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law, 2017, any person who engages in land grabbing or related activities shall be liable to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 15 years.”

The Commissioner further explained that the Government had sent notices of revocation to occupants of the Podo Area along Top One Garden, and a newspaper publication to that effect was made known on September 25th, 2012.