TREE PLANTING: ONDO READS RIOT ACT TO PARTNERS WHO DERAIL FROM AGREEMENT
The Ondo State Government has read the riot act to some investors who abandoned the terms and conditions of their agreement with the government through the Forestry sub-sector of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on tree planting in degraded parts of forest reserves in the state.
The investors were engaged by the state government to plant trees in allocated portions of degraded forests to regenerate the reserves under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
Under the programme, investors were allocated land to plant forestry trees to boost forest reserves. In return, investors will take 70% of the proceeds while the State Government takes 30% after harvesting, while regeneration continues with proper monitoring and supervision from the Ministry.
Speaking at his maiden face-to-face meeting with the investors, the Permanent Secretary, Forestry/Produce sub-sector, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Bosun Ogundipe, said the Ministry, which is saddled with the responsibility of regenerating and protecting the forests, will not tolerate a situation where investors derail from the agreement to plant trees. He noted that some of them have resorted to planting non-forestry crops such as cocoa and palm trees.
Mr. Ogundipe emphasized that under no condition should they neglect the sole responsibility of planting forestry trees for non-forestry compliant practices, stressing that those who planted cocoa and palm trees would have their allocation revoked, while those who lack the capacity to plant all allocated land would have their allotment reduced to what they can manage in line with the agreement.
He added that the government has many programmes it plans to embark upon, and the revoked and reduced portions would be utilised optimally.
He frowned at some illegal farmers who prevented officials of the Ministry from carrying out their legitimate duties, stressing that henceforth, government would not tolerate such acts. He added that forest management is the responsibility of the Ministry and is backed by law.
Mr. Ogundipe emphasized the need for conscious and deliberate efforts to protect the environment through forestry and vowed to support any investors who are ready to comply and are capable of regenerating the degraded forest reserves. He assured them that all their challenges would be resolved, adding that steps have been taken to address such challenges, especially the MoU signing.
He added that upon resumption, after going through the files and being properly briefed by the management, he saw the need to call the meeting to intimate investors on what government plans to do about those who failed to plant trees and those unable to cover the entire land allocated to them.
Also speaking, the Director of Conservation, Regeneration and Environmental Forestry, Mr. Temitope Adebusoye, said the Ministry embarked on a spot assessment of all centres allocated for regeneration under the PPP arrangement but was disappointed with what was seen on the field, as many investors failed to perform and many diverted the land to other purposes.
He added that the recommendations of the committee were submitted and the Commissioner approved their implementation, as stated by the Permanent Secretary.
The Director noted that government engaged the investors over six years ago, yet many have failed to live up to expectations and some have diverted the land for other purposes.
Mr. Adebusoye stressed that if the allottees had carried out their part diligently, they would recoup their investments through the 70% for them and 30% for government. However, many neglected the purpose for which the land was given and used it to cultivate cocoa and palm plantations.
In their separate remarks, the Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre, Oba Akinnadeju, and High Chief Rotimi Olusanya appreciated the Permanent Secretary for convening the meeting to have a one-on-one discussion with investors to achieve a common ground.
They appealed to the Permanent Secretary to use his office to facilitate the release and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), noting that this would formalize their engagement and enable them to access bank loans.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Media in the Ministry, Sola Omoboyowa, they also pleaded for another verification exercise at their centres, stating that some of them have planted more and covered more land compared to what was observed during last year’s verification visit. They added that they face insecurity in the forest and activities of encroachers who destroy planted trees to cultivate cocoa farms.
