16th November, 2023
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday paid N16,382,100 compensation to traditional land-owning families for the acquisition of their land to establish the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE) project in Epe.
The 35 hectares of land for the project was acquired by the Agricultural Land Holdings Authority (ALHA), an agency within the Ministry of Agriculture.
Paying the compensation to the land-owning families, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, said the payment is of great significance to the State as it kick-started in earnest, the establishment of the Project.
She said LACE is a Public Private Partnership between the State Government and Messrs. Dula Agro Services Limited with the aim of creating jobs for youth, stimulating economic activities, and anchoring the growth and development of the value chain in the State through the production of 50 million fingerings from the fish hatchery facility, 2000MT/annum grow facility, 20,000MT/annum fish processing facility (Smoked, Fillet & Steak) and 24,000MT/annum feed plant.
Olusanya, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Olatokunbo Emokpae, said the Ministry is committed to fostering a thriving agricultural sector, one that not only encourages private sector investments but also cultivates partnerships with all stakeholders to uplift the socio-economic landscape in line with the THEMES PLUS Development Agenda of the present Administration and the Five-Year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap launched by the Ministry.
“It is in this spirit of cooperation that we have joined hands with Messrs. Dula Agro Services Limited to establish this project.
“Our overarching goal as the heart of socio-economic activities in the country is to create an environment that is conducive for private investors in agriculture. Through this, we hope to bolster food security and create jobs for our ever-growing population.
“In pursuit of this vision, the state government acquired 35 hectares of land from the traditional land-owning families of Ilara Community, Eredo LCDA which underscores why compensation is being paid to the families concerned,” she explained.
According to Olusanya, two levels of compensation were being paid, one of which is N7 million as crop compensation on the 35 hectares of agricultural land and the N9,382,100, as replacement cost of the uncompleted Town Hall project being constructed on the site.
She explained that the compensation exercise symbolised the synergy that exists between the state government and the traditional landowners while appreciating their cooperation in making this project a reality.
“It is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together for the common good of all Lagosians.
“This is a milestone event in the history of Lagos State and we are grateful for your commitment and dedication,” she stated.
Acting General Manager, Agricultural Land Holdings Authority, Engr. Samiat Raji, said the activities of the authority included making agricultural land accessible to all irrespective of individual’s socio-cultural inclination.
Raji added that the authority is also in charge of commencing the process of land documentation and also the delineation of Agricultural land on entrepreneurship basis and generating revenue for the state, among others.
The Alara of Ilara kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, commended the state government for paying compensation to land-owning families for the LACE project meant to galvanise aquaculture in Epe and in Lagos.
The monarch said the payment of compensation has given them hope that the project is about to begin and expressed gratitude to the government.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of N7 million cheque to the Jegbende and Igbonla families and N9.3 million to the Alara-in-council of Ilara Community, Epe for the replacement cost of the uncompleted Town Hall.