Kogi State Commissioner for Housing Engages Stakeholders to Resolve Kogi Poly Land Dispute

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The Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, on Friday, February 7, 2025, held a strategic meeting with key stakeholders to resolve the lingering land dispute between the Ihiaga clan of Okehi Local Government Area and the Kogi State Polytechnic, Itakpe Campus.

The meeting, chaired by Hon. Abanika, was attended by the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Usman Ogbo; the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Hon. Monday Eneji Amoka; the Kogi State Director-General of the Bureau of Lands, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Lands and the State Surveyor General; representatives of the Ihiaga clan; and the contractors, Global Options Limited, responsible for the perimeter fencing of Kogi State Polytechnic, Itakpe Campus.

The meeting was necessitated by repeated reports from contractors that their work was being deliberately sabotaged. According to the contractors, whenever trenches were dug for the perimeter fencing, some individuals would return to cover them up, making it impossible to continue the project. This obstruction had significantly slowed progress and raised security concerns for both the workers and the institution.

Hon. Abanika, while addressing the gathering, expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, for prioritizing education and ensuring the security of lives and property in the state. He emphasized that the establishment of an institution in any community should be a source of pride, as it brings development and opportunities. However, he expressed deep concern over the continued disruption of construction work despite previous engagements with the indigenous landowners.

The Commissioner reiterated that Governor Ododo would not tolerate any form of sabotage but, as a peace-loving leader, had opted for alternative conflict resolution to ensure an amicable settlement. He emphasized that, to prevent further security breaches in Kogi State’s tertiary institutions, the governor had directed the perimeter fencing of all campuses—a move he described as commendable.

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Usman Ogbo, appealed to the community to support the institution, stressing that the government had invested over ₦7 billion in infrastructure development at the Itakpe Campus. He questioned why anyone would oppose government efforts to advance education in the area and urged the community to embrace peace.

Representatives of the Ihiaga clan and other community stakeholders appreciated the Honourable Commissioner for choosing the path of peace in resolving the matter. They pledged their cooperation to ensure a smooth and peaceful resolution.

The Chairman of Okehi Local Government, Hon. Monday Eneji Amoka, called for a balanced approach that would consider the interests of both the government and the Ihiaga clan. An agreement was eventually reached by all parties present, with the Okehi Local Government Chairman pledging to provide security for the contractors at all times.

Hon. Abanika, while issuing a final warning, stated that this would be the last meeting on the matter, as the government would not tolerate further sabotage of its projects. He reaffirmed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration remains committed to fulfilling its campaign promises and consolidating the legacies of his predecessor, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello.

He also appreciated all stakeholders present for their maturity in handling the situation and thanked His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, for always prioritizing the welfare of the people in all state programs.

With all parties reaching a consensus, it is expected that the perimeter fencing project and other infrastructural developments at Kogi State Polytechnic, Itakpe Campus, will now proceed without further interference.

Photo Splash from the meeting 

















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