Akeredolu Lifts Ban on Forestry Activities in Ondo

Fidelis David in Akure

The Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has lifted the ban on logging activities in forest reserves across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The governor had on the 31st of August, 2021, placed a ban on all activities in the forests including logging and flitching.
The ban lift was coming a day after timber traders under the auspices of Ondo State Timbers Trade Association (OSTTA) protested over the continued ban on logging activities by the state government, saying the ban has led to over 300,000 job losses.

In a statement made available to journalists in Akure yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, the ban has been lifted with effect from Monday, November 15, 2021.
“The measure was aimed at bringing sanity to the sector even as it was meant to engender enhanced revenue generation for the state.

“Ten weeks since the ban, government’s internal and administrative measures emplaced were carefully monitored with a view to charting a more enduring path towards the effective utilisation of the state’s vast forest resources for the general good.”

According to the Governor, “these mechanisms and measures are undoubtedly, effective enough to drive government’s vision for the sector. The review of the ban and subsequent approval by Mr. Governor to lift same, therefore, comes on the heels of an appreciable level of compliance on the part of those saddled with responsibilities during the ban. So far, the measures have yielded some commendable results.

“All permit holders as well as other legitimate stakeholders are hereby enjoined to commence their activities only from the approved date, Monday 15th November, 2021. State Forest Officers are equally, further mandated to ensure strict adherence to approved guidelines in the discharge of their duties for enhanced productivity.”