The Ogun State Government has warned contractors working in its forest reserves to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement signed with it.
State Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal, gave the warning during an assessment tour to the forest reserves at Oja-Odan, Ipake in Ilobi axis of Ilaro, Yewa South and the forest reserve areas J4 and J6 in Ijebu-East Local Government Area of the state.
He said the purpose of allowing people to operate in the forest reserves was to empower them and ensure that they are fully engaged, thereby enjoying dividends of democracy. But he lamented that some of the contractors were flouting the terms of contracts and agreement signed with the government.
Chief Lawal explained that there would be full implementation of the ban placed on flitches “Alamole” and teak billet in all the state-owned forest reserves.
“We are not happy with what we’ve seen so far; the contractors must stick to the rules of engagement as the full implementation of the ban on flitches and teak billet must be complied with,” he said.
Chief Lawal called on the forest guards to be diligent while discharging their duties and shun corrupt practices, saying that the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration operates a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
He warned that any officers caught would face the full wrath of the law and that contractors should partner with the government to achieve the mission to rebuild the state.
