The Ogun State House of Assembly has assured that the proposed Forest and Wildlife Preservation Bill when passed into law and signed by the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, will curb the menace of poaching and deforestation of forest reserves across the State.
The Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Forestry led by Hon. Harrison Adeyemi gave the assurance during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the State Forestry Plantation Project at Area J4 as part of the ongoing oversight by the State legislature.
Adeyemi explained that the bill when operational would reposition the operations of forest reserves for more efficiency as it would address the shortcomings and challenges caused by the illegal operation of poachers in the nine State reserves.
The Committee Chairman in company of Honourables Israel Jolaoso, Rasaq Oduntan and Tunde Sanusi, stated that the State was blessed with adequate mineral resources, particularly agricultural sector, decried the encroachment of the forest reserves, advising that the ministry should put in place more measures towards strengthening security of forest reserves on the State.
In his remarks, the Acting Project Manager of the Plantation, Mr. Adebosin Babatunde, sought for the recruitment of more forest guards to tackle the invaders who always destroy the forest reserves, pleading for the guards to bear arms.
Babatunde also advised that the reserve be conserved for a minimum of ten years with a view to limiting exploitation activities of tree fellers.
Packaged by Azeez Ayansola
