Property owners whose buildings will be affected by the ongoing redevelopment project at Idogido-Orietesu in Okene Local Government Area have been assured of adequate compensation by the Kogi State Government ahead of the planned demolition of their properties.
The Director-General of the Kogi State Bureau of Lands, TPL Kehinde Augustine Salihu-Otaru, gave the assurance while leading a team of professionals to assess the value of lands and structures located behind the ongoing reconstruction of the Central Mosque opposite the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Tijani Mohammed Aneje.
Salihu-Otaru said the government is committed to ensuring a seamless relocation process for affected residents, explaining that the new settlement would be fully developed with essential amenities before occupants are moved.
He also addressed concerns over compensation for properties jointly owned by family members, noting that the Bureau had held several meetings with stakeholders to resolve potential disputes.
According to him, issues relating to shared ownership have been identified and addressed to ensure a transparent compensation process and the successful completion of the exercise within the year.
The Director-General further disclosed that the Bureau of Lands is working with the Asuwe Clan to acquire land for the development of a new Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Okene.
Chairman of the Asuwe Clan, Mr Usman Salihu Ojatuwhuo, expressed the community’s support for the initiative, describing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as a dependable leader committed to the development of the state.
He said the clan is confident that the project will benefit the people and pledged its cooperation with the government.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Asuwe Clan, Mr Jimoh Enebe, said the community has a long history of donating land for public projects, including schools and cemeteries, adding that it remains willing to provide land for initiatives that promote development.