Why we demolished over 200 shanties — Ogun Govt

 

In a recent development, the Ogun State Government has taken decisive action against the proliferation of illegal structures surrounding school premises and marketplaces as part of its Safer School Initiative. This initiative aims to create a secure learning environment by eliminating criminal elements.

Farooq Akintunde, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, emphasized that the government had issued notices to the owners of approximately 200 shanties, illegal structures, and makeshift shops about six months prior, urging compliance. However, these warnings were disregarded.

The government's intervention unfolded as bulldozers descended upon areas such as Kuto, Idi-Aba, Oke Ijeun, and Panseke, dismantling the unauthorized constructions. Among the affected locations were St. John Primary School in Kuto, Nawairudeen Primary and Secondary School in Oje Ijeun, and Government Technical College in Idi-Aba.

Akintunde, leading the taskforce, also oversaw the removal of makeshift shops in the Panseke vicinity, targeting those impeding traffic flow.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Akintunde emphasized the paramount importance of preserving an undistracted learning atmosphere for students. He highlighted the risk posed by these structures, often serving as hideouts for criminals, potentially facilitating criminal activities like kidnapping. This proactive measure aligns with the government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens, particularly vulnerable groups like children.

Furthermore, Akintunde issued a stern warning to school administrators involved in allocating unauthorized spaces to traders, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and subject to legal repercussions. He stressed that educators are entrusted with the task of imparting knowledge, not leasing government property, and cautioned against engaging in unauthorized transactions that could lead to legal entanglements.