Environment

Investigate before acquiring government land – Ogun Government

By Web News 1701

Ogun State government has advised prospective investors, companies, and individuals to desist from the unguided acquisition of lands that belong to the government, especially the 1.5-kilometer corridor on both sides of major roads.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olatunji Odunlami, who gave the advice in Abeokuta said any development carried out within such locations must be in conformity with the approved land use or development scheme of that area.

Mr Odunlami, listed the areas to include New Ijebu-Ode Mojoda (Epe) road, Sagamu–Abeokuta highway, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Sagamu-Benin highway, Lagos–Abeokuta highway, Papalanto-Sagamu highway, the new Lagos-Ibadan rail line, and lands around the train stations.

He encouraged those concerned to request for Planning Information on the government-approved use or zoning of any land from the Ministry before acquiring such.

Mr Odunlami noted that any illegal development on such land stands a high risk of demolition.

Olusegun Folarin

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Environment

Follow due process always – Ogun Govt To Gas Operators

By Web News 488

Ogun State government has advised gas operators to follow due process before laying gas pipelines and optic fibres on road setbacks, to promote the harmonious development of the physical environment within the state.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olatunji Odunlami gave the advice during a stakeholders’ meeting with Gas Pipeline Operators and allied companies, at the ministry’s Conference Room in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Mr Odunlami who noted that the step became imperative for the operators to regularly update the ministry on their activities, said such information could be considered when further projects especially road extensions and construction of drainages were being executed by the government or private establishments.

He explained that the ministry’s regulatory responsibilities covered all developments within the state, whether on land or under the ground, saying a database of gas pipelines and optic fibres has been instituted.

The commissioner added that the database would be included in the preparation of the Master Plan for different areas of the state.

Responding, the representative of Nigerian Downstream Mainstream Petroleum Regulating Agency, Mr Oluwafemi Adebowale appreciated the decision of the ministry on regular review of permits and approval along the routes to avoid conflicts, calling on the operators to promptly carry out their activities in accordance with the dictates of the government.

Olusegun Folarin

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Environment

Abiodun Extends Amnesty Period for Building Permit Regularisation

By Web News 732

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the extension of the amnesty period for people who build houses without building permits, from fourth November to December 31, 2022.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Ogun State, Mr Olatunji Odunlami who made this known while speaking to newsmen in Abeokuta, said the extension of the amnesty period was to enable people to regularise their documentation.

Mr Odunlami noted that the governor had earlier waived off the payment of penal fees in demonstration of his mantra of “Building Our Future Together” in the state.

He encouraged the citizens to take advantage of the extension period to regularise their illegal developments, as a way of providing a similar opportunity currently being enjoyed under the Property Registration Programme, by those who have property on government acquisition.

Olusegun Folarin

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Environment

Get to know more about town planning laws- Ogun Govt

By Web News 781

Ogun state government wants town planners in the state to get acquainted with relevant provisions of the law in the discharge of their duties, to reduce incidences of litigation against the government to the barest minimum.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olatunji Odunlami who stated in Abeokuta at a training for the officers on “Official Response to Litigation Matters’’ organised by the Ministry of Justice, said training and re-training of staff on legal matters would ensure efficient service delivery.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Kamoru Ogunfowora, Mr Odulami noted that any action taken in contravention of the law could have a negative impact on the citizens and the government.

Speaking, one of the facilitators, a Chief State Counsel, Mrs Abiodun Odukoya, said petitions and court processes sent to the Ministry should be directed to the Ministry of Justice for prompt action, adding that it was essential that legal matters be handled with urgency to avoid delay.

Contributing, the Chief State Counsel, Mrs Oluwakemi Dankuwo highlighted the need for due diligence in granting permits and approvals, as well as regular inspections to enable the Ministry to carry out its responsibility without affecting members of the public negatively.

Some of the participants, Mr Rufus Talabi and Mr Olugbenga Olatunji, said the training had cleared a lot of grey areas and would help Town Planners to provide better services to the public.

Olusegun Folarin

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Housing

Govt Seals Buildings Over Violations

By Web News 566

Ogun State Government has sealed off thirty-two buildings in Isheri in Ifo Local government area of the State for violating various building regulations.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olatunji Odunlami who announced this during a chat with journalists in Abeokuta, noted that most of the buildings were either without planning permit or built beyond approval.

Mr Odunlami maintained that obtaining a planning permit before commencing construction was not negotiable, adding that the present administration was determined to ensure that the State remained safe, orderly, livable, and business-friendly.

The Physical Planning and Urban Development Commissioner also advised property owners and all concerned to desist from breaking the government seals, 

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on , Mr. Tunde Olugbewesa solicited the cooperation of property owners towards achieving a safe and secure environment.

Olusegun Folarin

Environment

Government Seals Off 13 Illegal Gas Skids In Ogun

By Web News 864

Thirteen gas skids have been sealed in Ijebu-Ode area of the state by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for operating without necessary approvals.

Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Olatunji Odunlami told newsmen in Abeokuta that the clampdown on illegal gas skids was to ensure the safety of gas users and forestall possible fire outbreaks. 

Mr Odunlami said the outlets were sealed during the monitoring and enforcement exercise of the ministry in line with ensuring due process. 

The commissioner who condemned the instances where gas skids were located in residential facilities, said the government would not condone carelessness on the part of the operators. 

Reviewing the enforcement exercise, Special Assistant to the Governor on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Tunde Olugbewesa advised the operators to uphold safety measures and work in tune with the approved standards.

Olusegun Folarin