Rebuttal to the unwarranted Publication from the Osogbo Affairs Forum: Setting the Record Straight on the Technical College Land Project – Group

A non-governmental organization, Coalition For Good Governance(C4GG) has clarified the truth about the Technical College land project.

In a statement signed by C4GG Executive Director, Adetayo Adegbemle on Wednesday, stated that the government of Osun State, within its full legal authority and commitment to the welfare of its people, ceded a portion of land adjoining the Technical College for development

According to the statement, it is on record that the state Government Legitimately acquired the land in question from relevant stakeholders many years ago in accordance to the laws applicable at the time of acquisition and the records are available for public access

The statement reads;

“We write in response to the recent unwarranted publication circulated by the so-called Osogbo Affairs Forum, a small fringe group claiming to represent the interests of the indigenous people of Osogbo. The claims made in this publication are both misleading and unjust, seemingly intended to disrupt a critical, government-sanctioned development project that will serve the citizens of Osogbo and the broader Osun State community.


Let it be on record that the state Government Legitimately acquired the land in question from relevant stakeholders many years ago in accordance to the laws applicable at the time of acquisition and the records are available for public access.

To be clear, the government of Osun State, within its full legal authority and commitment to the welfare of its people, ceded a portion of land adjoining the Technical College for development. This decision is part of the state’s ongoing strategy to foster growth, enhance urban infrastructure, and address the pressing need for affordable housing and public amenities for the residents of Osogbo and the people of Osun. Under the Public, Private Partnership policy of the state Government.

This project, undertaken by Zoe Global Industrial Limited, is designed to uplift the community by providing not only modern, affordable housing but also numerous facilities that will benefit the public, including a map estate, shopping complex, and other accessible public spaces. These elements will contribute to the quality of life for all citizens of Osun, ensuring that the community has access to essential services, safe recreational areas, and economic opportunities.

Furthermore, this development project is expected to bring substantial revenue into the state’s coffers—estimated huge revenue will continually be added to the IGR of the state, in addition to projected earnings from commercial facilities like the shopping mall and other public amenities. These funds will directly support the state’s role as a steward of Osun’s commonwealth, providing for the needs of its citizens and promoting sustainable growth. It is inconceivable that any group genuinely representing the people of Osogbo would attempt to stifle such a vital project.

It is also necessary to address the motivations of the individuals behind this publication. The authors are not impartial advocates for the people; rather, they are known land grabbers who have attempted in the past to manipulate the judicial system in order to gain control over this very land for their personal financial gain. This group even went as far as misleading a judge to procure rights to sell public property for private profit—an attempt that, fortunately, was thwarted. When these self-serving efforts failed, they resorted to an unfounded public petition, hoping to undermine the government’s people-oriented vision by causing needless distraction.

The Osun State government, remains committed to Osun’s progress and to providing lasting benefits for the people of Osogbo. In line with the principles of the Rotary Four-Way Test, let us consider:

1.  Is it the Truth? Yes—the state government has acted with transparency and within its legal right to repurpose land for the public good.
2.  Is it Fair to All Concerned? The project benefits all citizens, providing affordable housing, malls, shops and shopping complexes amongst other amenities at affordable prices  and economic opportunities without discrimination.
3.  Will it Build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Absolutely—the development fosters unity by creating spaces for community engagement and growth.
4.  Will it Be Beneficial to All Concerned? Undoubtedly, the project offers lasting benefits, enhancing the standard of living and supporting economic development for all in Osun.

The people of Osogbo and Osun deserve growth, opportunity, and stability. We encourage all well-meaning citizens to support the government’s noble effort in improving the standard of living for everyone in Osun. Our state is development-driven and focused on the future, and the Technical College land project is a cornerstone in that journey. Let us not allow the self-serving motives of a few to stand in the way of progress for all.

Signed
Adetayo Adegbemle
Executive Director
Coalition For Good Governance(C4GG)

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