The Lagos State government has acquired 500 hectares of land in
Eluju-mowo, along Itoikin-Epe road for Farm Estate Initiative, to
address the various challenges facing agriculture in the state.
It
has also fully compensated the five affected communities, whose crops
were affected.Speaking at a cheque presentation ceremony, held at the
Ministry of Agriculture, Ikeja, Special Adviser to the state governor on
Food Security, Mr. Ganiyu Okanlawon Sanni, the compensation was in
fulfillment of the promise made by government to residents of the
communities.
He noted that acquiring of the land and payment of
compensation is part of effort of government to address the various
challenges facing agriculture in the state, such as declining land for
agricultural activities, encroachment by land speculators, as well as,
promoting the utilisation of agricultural land for its intended
purposes.The Special Adviser, who added that the effort is also geared
towards boosting food security in the state, explained that the land in
these communities would be allocated to farmers after the compensation.
While
urging members of the affected communities to continue to cooperate
with one another and also carry every member of their communities along,
the Special Adviser said their cooperation is key in the development of
their communities.
Okanlawon noted that; “The Agricultural
Equipment Hiring Centre is targeted towards providing mechanised tools
at a reduced rate to farmers, the initiative has been set to reduce
drudgery in agriculture; increase farm land under cultivation; promote
competition and enhance the value of money for farmers,” Okanlawon said.
