Ogun state government has asked illegal occupants in its Forest Reserves at Area J3 in Ijebu-East Local Government Area, to vacate and desist from habit of selling government lands.

Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun made this known during a fact-finding visit to the reserved, saying individual or group that has no legitimate business in the forest would not be allowed to stay.

 Engr. Oludotun, who emphasised the need to protect all government forest reserves against criminality perpetrated by unscrupulous elements, noted that the present administration would continue to ensure safety and proper management of the reserves. 

‘’Ogun State government will not fold its arms and allow people who do not have business in this reserve to stay. Those harbouring criminals should desist as government is ready to take drastic action against any culprit’’, he warned.

The Commissioner, said identity cards and other means of identification would henceforth be made compulsory for legitimate occupants, directing Forestry officials to take data of people living in the area including gender, occupation, state origin, among others, and forward it to the headquarters, within a shortest possible time.

Earlier in his remarks, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Timothy Olatunji urged Baales in the area to protect the reserves by sustaining tree planting all through the year.

He said farmers in the reserve were permitted to plant cassava, maize and other food crops, noting that such agricultural practices should not be done at the detriment of trees that were planted, promising government’s assistance in seedlings provision to achieve the goal.

Responding, representative of Baales in the area, Chief Adewale Aderinwale, appreciated the Commissioner and the management team for the visit, assuring them of their cooperation at all times.

Highpoint of the visit was symbolic tree planting exercise carried out by the Commissioner, Permanent Secretary and the management staff at Aba Ekiti in the area.