Oyo Govt Begins Compensation for Property Owners Affected by Ojo–IITA Moniya Road Expansion
The Oyo State Government has commenced the disbursement of compensation to property owners affected by the ongoing expansion of the Ojo Interchange–IITA Moniya Road project, reaffirming its commitment to infrastructural development and citizens’ welfare.
The compensation exercise, which is an ongoing exercise, began on Friday at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Secretariat, Ibadan, where affected property owners whose structures fall within the expansion corridor were compensated by the state government.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Akin-Funmilayo Williams, stated that the expansion became necessary due to the rapid economic and infrastructural developments springing up around the axis, particularly the newly established dry port and other strategic projects.
According to him, the project is designed to improve transportation, boost economic activities, and enhance the overall development of the state, the South-West region, and Nigeria at large.
“The development is in the interest of the masses and residents around the axis. The Governor has given a standing instruction that compensation to affected property owners must not be delayed. That is why we are here today to ensure immediate payment,” the commissioner said.
He also urged residents of the state to continually remember Oyo State and its leaders in their prayers, assuring that the government is doing everything within its capacity to ensure that the affected students and teachers are safely reunited with their families.
He appealed to owners of affected structures to cooperate with the government, stressing that the demolition exercise was not intended to punish anyone but to pave the way for greater development across the state.
“In all honesty, this government cannot repay the people with evil after they entrusted us with their mandate.
The purpose is development, progress, and better opportunities for everyone,” he added.
Williams further noted that the transformation currently taking place in Akinyele Local Government has significantly increased the area’s economic relevance and visibility.
“Before now, many people hardly knew much about Akinyele Local Government, but today the area has gained prominence because of the numerous developmental projects coming into the axis, including the dry port, train station, circular road, and the gigantic bridge along the Oyo Road corridor. These projects will not only benefit Oyo State but the entire South-West region and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Reacting on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Alimot Romoke appreciated the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for compensating affected residents, noting that some governments would not have considered such gestures.
She prayed for continued wisdom and strength for the present administration in its efforts to develop the state.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Segun, expressed surprise and satisfaction over the prompt payment of compensation, admitting that he initially doubted the exercise until he arrived at the secretariat.
“I was not fully convinced initially, but today I have seen that the government truly fulfilled its promise. This administration has continued to deliver several infrastructural projects across the state, and the people will continue to support Governor Makinde,” he said.
The event was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Audu Akeem Ademola, the Director of Finance, and other senior government officials.
