The Ondo State Government has clarified its stands on the suspension of logging and lumbering businesses at the Government Forest Reserves forthwith.

According to the state Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo he said that farmers, who have legitimate permits and are officially recognized by the government are not in any way affected by suspension made by the Executive Council.

He also said that the Government Forest Reserves are not handed over to AMOTEKUN but that the security outfit was mandated to enforce the decision of the State Executive Council for strict compliance by all and sundry.

The Commissioner statement states

Police kill kidnap suspect, arrest another in Ogun State

Re: Suspension of activities in Government Forest Reserves
Following enquiries from the public in respect of the State Government’s decision suspending all activities in the Government Forest Reserves, it is pertinent to clarify that:

i. farmers who are legitimate permit holders and officially recognised by Government are not in any way affected by the Executive Council’s decision.

ii. only all activities around timber businesses (logging and lumbering) in the Government Forest Reserves are suspended forthwith.

iii. Government Forest Reserves are not handed over to AMOTEKUN as twisted in some quarters. Rather, the security outfit’s mandate is to enforce the decision of the State Executive Council for strict compliance by all and sundry.

iv. the decision is taken in the overall interest of the State to engender enhanced productivity and higher output through optimal utilisation of the State’s vast forest resources.

Signed Commissioner for Information and Orientation
Ondo State
August 31, 2021