Oyo State Government has distributed cheques to about 77 land owners affected by the lands acquired for investment purpose.

The official presentation of cheques was held at the premises of Community Museum, Otu town, in the Itesiwaju Local Government area of the state.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Survey, Honourable Isaac Omodewu, said the payment of the compensation to land owners was an attestation of his administration’s commitment at ensuring that rights of the people are well protected.

He stated further that, since inception of his administration, part of the vision has been to bring investors, especially now that peace and security is well guaranteed in the state.

He said, the purpose of the land acquired is to improve agricultural produce and boost the economy of the state.

While appreciating all the stakeholders for their support, he appealed to the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously, as no amount is too small for investment, assuring them that the project would start without any delay.

The representative of the investor, Allied Atlantic Distilleries Limited, Mr ‘Wale Mojolagbe said, the company has acquired about 4,000 hectares of land in Otu community for expansion of their business and production of ethanol from cassava, as Oke-Ogun area has the largest supply of cassava.

Mr Majolagbe said, the company would move to the land acquired in April for planting of cassava as all machineries have been put in place for smooth operation.

Also the Chairman of Itesiwaju local government, Mr Adeniyi Adeagbo, said the people of Otu community are delighted for the development as more employment opportunities are set to come to the community.

Two of the claimants while speaking with newsmen after the collection of their cheques, Mr Tijani Olawale and Mrs Afusat Salami, lauded the state government over the payment of the compensation.