The Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey has disclosed its plans to collaborate with the state chapter of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to curb the growing menace of illegal land acquisition in the state.

Special Adviser and Director-General of the Bureau, Segun Fowora, made this known during a courtesy visit, led by the Ogun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Oyebisi Andrew, to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Fowora, who stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration to address issues, such as land fraud, encroachment, and unauthorised developments in the state, said that the Bureau, through the partnership, would intensify efforts in sensitising the public about the proper procedures for land acquisition, as well as the dangers of engaging with unverified land agents or speculators.

Fowora, who was glad to welcome the team as a strategic partner in the fight, noted the problems the Bureau had encountered, which according to him, stemmed from a lack of awareness.

He said people fell into the trap of fraudsters because they do not understand the legal processes involved in land acquisition and commended the collaboration and how it would help bridge that gap.

Also speaking, Consultant to the State Government on Land Matters, Fatai Adegboyega, described the initiative as a welcome development and pledged the Bureau’s support to the agency in terms of logistics and provision of relevant information where necessary.

He added that the Ogun State Government had already set up a task force to tackle illegal land activities.

Director of Land Services, Adedeji Adewale, also commended NOA’s proactive engagement, noting that the agency’s structure would enable messages to penetrate both rural and urban communities effectively.

Earlier in her remark, the NOA State Director, Oyebisi Andrew, said that the agency’s plans to involve community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in the public awareness campaign would ensure that the message spread to every part of the state.

Director of Community Outreach, Toyin Oluwa, in her vote of thanks, appreciated the director-general for embracing the partnership and expressed optimism that the agency would be glad to witness more collaborative efforts in the future.

The courtesy visit witnessed the presentation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to support the public sensitisation campaign.