By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
THREE EXECUTIVE orders have been issued By Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to create two new agencies and restrict traditional rulers’ involvement in land and mining agreements.
These measures, announced on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, are effective immediately.
He notes that the first executive order is the New Mineral Resources Development Agency that will oversee the exploration and management of the state’s mineral resources.
Its responsibilities include conducting geological surveys, maintaining data on mineral deposits, and promoting investment in the solid minerals sector, as well as to focus on building local capacity and preventing environmental degradation in mining areas.
The second executive order creates the Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency tasked with the responsibility to manage parks, gardens, and recreational centers across the state.
It will implement the government’s environmental beautification and tree planting initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and improving quality of life.
The agency will also regulate the use of public green spaces and ensure their maintenance and security.
The third executive order bars traditional rulers from entering into any agreements or Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) related to mining or other land matters.
This move aims to prevent unauthorized land deals and ensure that all such activities are regulated by the state government.
Violations of this order, the government says, will be met with sanctions as per the Obas and Chiefs Law and other relevant statutes.
Governor Abiodun further emphasized that these measures are designed to enhance responsible resource management, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure regulatory compliance in land and mining activities.