EKSG sets up Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee on land use.

EKSG sets up Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee on land use.

...maps out strategy to boost agricultural investment.

The Ekiti State Government Steering Committee on Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) has inaugurated a  Grievance Redress Mechanism(GRM) committee with the commitment to run inclusive land administration to proffer solution to all land disputes and boost crop production in the state.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji who is the Chairman of the Committee said the step became necessary to fast track settlement of grievances that emanate from land use to enhance peace and harmony in the sector

Speaking through the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade at the inauguration of the Committee in Ado-Ekiti , the Governor stated that  the core objective of the GRM Committee is to foster a climate of trust and accountability by ensuring that complaints, disputes and appeals related to agricultural investments are addressed promptly and effectively.

He said the present administration in the State was embarking on the implementation of the FRILIA project in its quest to deepen the ease of doing business through State Action On Business Enabling Reform.

According to Governor Oyebanji, the Grievance Redress Mechanism would work hand in hand with the Technical and the Steering Committees based on the key principles of (FRILLA) to resolving issues

He  therefore charged the GRM to be impartial, transparent, accessible by all including vulnerable groups and work in line with the national and international human rights standard

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Mr Olusanmi Akintobi said the GRM would provide a clear pathway for all stakeholders, communities, farmers and investors to resolve disputes fairly adding that this would  on the long run boost agricultural production in the state 

"This GRM Toolkit provides Ekiti State with robust, fair and sustainable system for managing conflicts by  offering a clear and trusted channel for dispute resolution. It protects the rights of communities and investors alike, thereby encourage agricultural investments and promoting a harmonious and productive agricultural sector in the state" he said

Members of the GRM Committee inaugurated are; representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Bureau of Land Services, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, (EKDIPA)  Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,  

Others are; Representatives of Ministry of Environment, Office of Surveyor General, FADAMA and Forestry Commission

The forum was attended by dignitaries including the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola,  Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey and eGIS, Prof James Olaleye; the Chairman of the State  Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Olaniran Olatona; the  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Babatope Ojo; the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment, Mr Tunde Balogun and representatives from other MDAs.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade who represented Governor Oyebanji at the event is the Deputy Chairman of the Steering Committee.