Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has issued three significant executive orders aimed at enhancing state governance, environmental management, and regulating mining activities.
The executive orders establish two new agencies and impose restrictions on traditional rulers regarding land agreements.
Executive Order One: Establishment of the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency
Purpose:
– To responsibly explore and manage the state’s rich mineral resources without harming the environmental ecosystem in mining areas.
Key Functions:
– Conduct geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposits.
– Maintain data on mineral resources and promote investment in the solid minerals sector.
– Strengthen local capacity for solid mineral investments and build value re-orientation among state indigenes.
– Empower youths to participate in the mining business.
– Promote solid mineral investment through prospection and exhibition.
– Establish a data bank for documenting rocks and minerals.
– Conduct regular site visits to prevent environmental degradation in collaboration with other agencies.
Funding:
– Generated fees from regulatory activities.
– Budgetary allocations.
– Grants and financial contributions from local and international development partners.
– Gifts, aid, and other legitimate contributions.
Effective Date:
– Immediate, as stated in the executive order.
Executive Order Two: Establishment of Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency
Purpose:
– To sustain environmental regeneration and beautification initiatives under the state’s Transformation Agenda, promoting a flood-free, hygienic, and visually appealing environment.
Key Functions:
– Administer, maintain, and manage designated parks and recreation centers.
– Implement government policies for the development and maintenance of parks, gardens, and open spaces.
– Grant permits for the use of open spaces and charge appropriate fees for facilities.
– Regulate the hours of use for parks and gardens by the public.
– Provide security and environmental sanitation in parks and recreation centers.
– Tag all trees and supervise pruning and felling activities.
– Advise on greening programs and fund maintenance of parks and gardens.
Funding:
– Budgetary allocations.
– Service fees.
– Grants and financial contributions from local and international development partners.
– Gifts, aid, and other legitimate contributions.
Effective Date:
– Immediate, as stated in the executive order.
Executive Order Three: Restriction on Traditional Rulers Regarding Land Agreements
Purpose:
– To ensure that land transactions for mining and industrial activities are conducted transparently and through government-approved processes, preventing the circumvention of regulations by traditional institutions.
Key Provisions:
– Traditional rulers are barred from entering into any agreements or MOUs concerning land for mining or industrial purposes.
– Monarchs must refrain from issuing consent letters for mining activities.
– Violations will result in sanctions according to the Obas and Chiefs Law and other relevant criminal statutes.
– Any entity that enters into an MOU with traditional institutions for mining or industrial activities will face legal action under Section 61 of the Ogun State Criminal Law 2006, which prohibits interference with executive power.
Effective Date:
– Immediate, as stated in the executive order.
These executive orders reflect the Ogun State Government’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and responsible resource management.
The establishment of these agencies and the restriction on traditional rulers aim to enhance governance, improve quality of life, and ensure the orderly use of land and resources within the state.
