The Oyo State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to property owners whose lands were acquired for the construction of developmental projects in Ajia Inukan Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ona Ara Local Government Area.
This development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, during a meeting with the claimants on Monday.
The Commissioner stated that the government has earmarked a sum of Five Hundred and Thirteen Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Forty-Six Naira Fifty Kobo (N513,462,446.50) for the compensation of affected property owners.
Akin-Funmilayo highlighted that the lands were acquired for the construction of key developmental projects, including an Air Force Base, a General Hospital, and an ICT center. He noted that these projects, sited in Ajia in Ona Ara Local Government Area, are crucial for the state’s growth and development.
“The compensation is a crucial step towards fostering a good relationship between the government and the residents,” Akin-Funmilayo said. He emphasized that the government’s efforts to compensate affected residents underscore its commitment to ensuring that the people of Oyo State are not left behind in the drive for progress.
Earlier, the Oyo State Government had conducted identification and verification exercises for the property owners along the project corridor. The properties were subsequently valued, paving the way for the disbursement of compensation.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adedokun Olalekan, expressed his gratitude to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his empathy and concern for the welfare of the people of Oyo State.
“I am deeply grateful to the Governor for his understanding and prompt action in ensuring we receive fair compensation for our properties,” Olalekan said.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who also signed off on the announcement, reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring that all affected property owners receive their due compensation in a timely manner.
This compensation effort marks another step in the state’s ongoing commitment to development while maintaining a harmonious relationship with its residents.
