The Kwara State Government on Tuesday commenced the payment of over N500 million in compensation to more than 1,000 customary land owners, land purchasers, and farmers affected by the extension of the ongoing Industrial Park in Eyenkorin, along the old Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS), Abdulkareem Babatunde Sulyman, clarified that the compensation should not be misconstrued as the government purchasing the acquired 2,100 hectares of land.

He declared that the compensation was paid in line with constitutional provisions to extinguish subsisting rights on the land.

He said the hectares of land spanned 15 communities in Asa local government area of the state.

The KWGIS boss noted that the compensation was to settle affected claims, improvements and interests for the beneficiaries in fulfilling the legal requirements for public acquisition.

Sulyman stated that the ongoing construction of industrial park was designed to improve the agricultural, industrial and economic developments of the state and the host communities.

He added that the project was in accordance with the developmental strides of the state government.

“The acquisition of 2,100Ha for the extension of the Industrial Park started in late 2023. The land located off old Ogbomoso Road covers over 15 communities in Asa local government area. This is an addition to the earlier 650Ha acquired for the same purpose, which its development has commenced.

“The governor of Kwara State, in line with his developmental strides, approved the release of over N500Million to settle all affected claims, improvements and interests for over 1,000 beneficiaries in fulfilling the legal requirements for Public Acquisition.

“Today is a special day to flag off the payment of compensation to the assessed Customary Land Owners, land purchasers and farmers.

“As we gather here to flag off this payment, I wish to call on all the beneficiaries to ensure a judicious use of the monies received and in particular the customary land owners, the monies should get to all the bonafide beneficiaries.

“It is worth adding that government does not buy land, rather compensation is paid in line with constitutional provisions to extinguish all subsisting rights on the land.

“The Industrial Park land is meant to improve the agricultural, industrial and economic developments of the state in general and the host communities in particular.

“Thus, the state government hereby requests for your unflinching cooperation for the success of the programme and development of our state”, the KWGIS Executive Chairman said.

The Director, Land Services of KWGIS, Abdulwahab Abdulkareem, who addressed the gathering earlier, recalled that the government retrieved the land since 1976.

He said the state government notified the land claimants prior to the process of paying compensation to them.

Abdulkareem, who implored the host communities for support, expressed optimism that the project would facilitate and quicken infrastructural development in the area.

He stated, “As you can see, the government is committed to building an Industrial Park along Eyenkorin. But before the government can secure the land, there is need to meet stakeholders.

“The acquisition of land comes with conditions that must be met. Government has retrieved the land since 1976. But the law says we must identify the land, meet the occupants, revoke existing interest for incoming interest and compensate those that are entitled to the land.

“The establishment of the park will attract good things for the communities, and this is why we are seeking the collaboration of the host communities. The land is along Ilorin ogbomoso road. Notice has been written to the claimants.”

Speaking at the event, the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr Uthman Abubakar-Jos, said the orderliness with which the compensation was made for the beneficiaries, was an indication that there won't be any dispute afterward.

He praised Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the management of Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS) for ensuring a seamless payment process.

“We are very grateful to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for the orderliness and well arranged compensation being paid here now. He is being appreciated because of the fact that payment was categorized.

“We customary land owners are being paid. Those that purchased land from us are being paid, and those that are farming on our land are being paid separately. This makes it so organized.

“Definitely, there wouldn't be any dispute anywhere now. It is well known that those farming on it knew that it has been acquired.

“Those people that we have sold land to and have been compensated, knew that they do not have any right on that land again.

“And we customary owners, we know that we have given the land to the government for that development. So, we appreciate him for this organization”, Abubakar-Jos said.

The Aare of Ogele, Alhaji Ishola Akanbi, thanked Governor Abdulrazaq for approving payment of compensation to the customary land owners and other beneficiaries.

He said members of the communities that received compensation for the acquired hectares of land are excited that development is in the offing for the area.

One of the beneficiaries, Garuba Aremu Galadima, expressed delight that the hectares of land were acquired for the development of the state.