The umbrella body of Chinese businesses under the auspices of Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa area of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun state has debunked the allegation of encroachment on 485 hectares of land levied against it by some members of the community.
The Public Affairs Manager, Mr. Sabastine Ijomah debunked the encroachment allegation during a press briefing organised to refute the claims of the community members led by one Mr. Solomon Ajose.
Ajose had said that there had not been issues with the Chinese investors until 2017 when they began to seek for more lands.
Ajose added that when the community leaders approached the Chinese about their actions, they threatened to deal with them while referring to the 1977 acquisition.
While explaining their role in the issue, the Public Affairs Manager explained that the entire two thousand hectares of land of the Zone was allocated to it by the government in 2007.
He added that the Certificate of Occupancy was also given to the Free Trade Zone.
He added that the Zone has been making frantic efforts to ensure that more investors come into the state.
He said, “The Free Trade Zone Management has been facing relentless challenges from some factions of the community under the umbrella of “Concerned Families of Land Owners” led by one Ajose Solomon on the government land acquisition, enumeration and crop compensation without any substantial evidence.
“These worrisome developments have been a major concern and a log in the wheel of expanding and developing the Zone.
“We, therefore, call on the Ogun State Government, the host communities, leaders, elders and all concerned to assist in addressing these hydra-headed problems.
“We the Zone Management office trusts in your capacity and capability in resolving these issues soonest.”
Credit: Punch