Ondo State Government on Friday lifted ban on forestry activities in the stste.
This was contained in a statement by the Information and Orientation commissioner, Mr Donald Ojogo, which said the lift will take effect from Monday November 15.
The statement said: “This is to announce to the general public, especially stakeholders in the forestry sector that the ban placed on activities in the State Forest Reserves has been lifted with effect from Monday, November 15, 2021.”
The State Executive Council, as part of its conclusions at its meeting on the 31st of August, 2021, had placed a ban on all activities in the forests including logging and flitching to bring sanity to the sector and engender enhanced revenue generation for the State.
According to the statement: “Ten weeks since the ban, Government’s internal and administrative measures emplaced were carefully monitored with a view to charting a more enduring path towards the effective utilisation of the State’s vast forest resources for the general good.
“These mechanisms and measures are undoubtedly, effective enough to drive Government’s vision for the sector. The review of the ban and subsequent approval by Mr Governor to lift same, therefore, comes on the heels of an appreciable level of compliance on the part of those saddled with responsibilities during the ban. So far, the measures have yielded some commendable results.
“All permit holders as well as other legitimate stakeholders are hereby enjoined to commence their activities ONLY from the approved date, Monday 15th November, 2021. State Forest Officers are equally, further mandated to ensure strict adherence to approved guidelines in the discharge of their duties for enhanced productivity.”
Ojogo had announced the suspension of activities in the state forest reserves, including free areas, with immediate effect on August 31, as part of the far-reaching decisions made at the State Executive Council meeting the previous day.
He had added that in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, would sign also on August 31, the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law.
Ojogo disclosed that the State Security Network, code-named Amotekun Corps, had been directed to enforce the decision, adding that anyone found engaging in any activity at the state forest reserves will be made to face the full extent of the law.
The government spokesperson further explained that the Head of Service had been directed to restructure the Ministry of Natural Resources to make it work in tandem with the expectation of the government and serve the interest of the people.
“The council has directed the Head of Service to embark on administrative overhaul at the Ministry of Natural Resources. We observe that some interested persons have turned the reserves into their private resources. Government has suspended all activities in the forest. There are no more free areas. Amotekun has been mandated to carry out the enforcement,” he said.
Ojogo said the state government would soon set up a committee to deal with the issue of the activities in the forest reserves.
