Edo Moves To Resolve Land Disputes, Expand Housing Projects
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
As part of efforts to resolve land disputes, the Edo State Government has established the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) Committee.
The initiative is part of the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILIA).
At the inauguration ceremony in Benin City, the committee chairman, Mrs. Aikefe Aigbavboi, stated that the GRM’s mandate is to address grievances related to land-based investments. She emphasised that the committee will ensure fair treatment for individuals affected by land disputes.
Aigbavboi assured that the GRM Committee would operate transparently and impartially. She noted its benefits, including resolving investment-related grievances, improving employment opportunities for youth and women, and protecting land rights. She urged committee members to remain committed to their duties.
The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Sustainability, and GRM Committee Secretary, Mr. Jude Ekpu, pledged that the committee would be transparent in handling land disputes involving the state government, private firms, and communities.
Meanwhile, HRH Ogieriakhi Oguigo, Enogie of Ugo Niyokhorhionmwon in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, commended the initiative. He called for public sensitisation to ensure citizens understand the committee’s role and objectives.
In a related development, the Edo State Development and Property Corporation has assured Okoroma community residents in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of plans to build affordable housing units.
The corporation’s Managing Director, Barr. Osarenren Folarin Okungbowa, gave the assurance while inspecting government-reserved lands in the area. He stated that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo prioritises affordable housing.
“After food, housing is the next basic necessity, and the governor is committed to fulfilling his promises to the people of Okoroma,” he said.
Okungbowa urged community leaders and youths to avoid violence and destruction of public property. He assured them that the government would continue to support development initiatives in their area.
The Acting Odionwere of Okoroma Community, Chief Wilfred Ebohon Emokpai, expressed gratitude for the visit. He assured that the community was ready to cooperate fully with the government’s housing development plans.
The MD and the corporation’s technical team inspected 200 hectares of government-reserved land in the community.
