By John Ogunsemore
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has signed four new executive orders aimed at providing enabling environment for business growth, improving physical planning and protecting owners of landed properties.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, December 12.
Adeniyan said the first order is on the conduct of government business by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies, which will entrench measures and strategies aimed at promoting transparency and efficiency in Ondo State.
“It requires the affected MDAs to publish on the state official website(s) all relevant information on fees, procedures, Service Level Agreement (SLA), Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for all core business regulatory processes provided by them.
“The MDAs are to also provide contact information (telephone and email) which must remain functional during working hours;
“This order is applicable to: Ministry of Commerce; Ministry of Works and Infrastructure; Ministry of Lands and Housing; Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development; Ondo State signage and . Agency; and Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue Services.”
The governor’s spokesman said the second order is on the creation of the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investments (FRILIA) in a bid to enhance the investment climate in the state.
He explained that the framework guarantees shared benefits between private investors and local communities and ensures that land acquisition and resettlement for large-scale agribusiness investment are carried out in accordance with recognised international best practices.
“With this, the government will promote agribusiness reforms, particularly by providing all relevant stakeholders with a mutually beneficial resolution to agricultural land concerns and investment opportunities,” he said.
Adeniyan stated that the third order is on improving physical planning and it would ensure that all approvals for building and other physical structures shall be granted in phases or stages of construction.
“Each phase must adhere strictly to the approvals granted before proceeding to the next stage.
“It shall be mandatory for all construction projects to ensure compliance with engineering certifications appropriate to each stage of construction.
“No construction shall progress without the requisite certifications confirming adherence to safety and engineering standards.
“It will also ensure that no variations to the originally approved structures and architectural designs of any building will be permitted without obtaining official permits,” he said.
Adeniyan said the last order aims to prohibit land grabbing and will put an end to forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to landed properties in Ondo State.
“In line with this, Governor Aiyedatiwa has established a Task Force which will work to protect property rights, uphold the rule of law, and ensure a safe and secure environment for all property owners and residents in Ondo State,” the governor’s aide said.
Speaking on the development, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, said: “The executive orders signed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on key issues such as Agriculture, Transparency, Building Plans, and Anti-Land Grabbing carry significant implications for governance, economic development, and social justice in the region.
“These executive orders reflect a commitment to progressive governance of Governor Aiyedatiwa that prioritises economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
“Their successful implementation can lead to a more prosperous, transparent, and equitable society.”