Ondo Assembly reaffirms commitment to strengthening land administration, housing delivery

By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Lands and Housing has reiterated its readiness to collaborate with relevant agencies in order to enhance effective land administration and affordable housing delivery across the state.

The assurance was given during the Committee’s oversight visit to the State Ministry of Lands and Housing as well as the Ondo State Development and Property Corporation (OSDPC) in Akure.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Chief Abiola Oladapo, commended the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, for what he described as visible achievements in ongoing projects. He noted that Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s decision to entrust the commissioner with dual portfolios was justified, considering the remarkable progress recorded in key infrastructural initiatives.

At the OSDPC, Chief Oladapo stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the legislature and the agency to ensure more accessible and affordable housing for residents of the state. Other lawmakers on the visit — including the Majority Leader, Hon. Chief Olatunji Oshati, Hon. Fasonu Babatunde, and Hon. Raymond Daodu — also inquired about the agency’s budget utilization and measures taken to address operational challenges.

In his briefing, Engr. Olawoye highlighted several landmark projects under execution, including the completed Obas Secretariat beside Shoprite, the near-completion of the Deputy Governor’s residence remodeling, and the ongoing construction of the Judiciary Complex. He further disclosed that work had commenced on 32 units of four-bedroom terrace houses for cabinet members, while other projects nearing completion include the UNIMEDTH Hospital building, the Government House gate remodeling, the Presidential Lodge furnishing, and perimeter fencing.

He added that architectural designs were in progress for new Legislative Quarters and a Legislative Office Complex, following structural integrity tests that deemed the current Assembly building unfit for renovation. Plans were also underway to remodel some ministries and agencies and to build hostel facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko.

Speaking earlier, the Acting General Manager of OSDPC, Mrs. Nene Ogunleye, lauded the lawmakers’ visit, describing it as a demonstration of the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the housing and real estate sector. She explained that while the corporation had contributed significantly to affordable housing, urban renewal, and property management, it was currently constrained by challenges such as depleted land banks, inadequate professional manpower, obsolete equipment, and encroachment by neighbouring communities.

According to her, the corporation currently manages about 13 estates across the state, most of which are fully subscribed. She therefore appealed for legislative support to enable the OSDPC to expand its land banks and improve operations.

The visit, both parties agreed, provided a vital platform to deepen collaboration and develop strategies for repositioning the housing sector towards improved service delivery and socioeconomic advancement of Ondo State.