C4GG Defends Osogbo Technical College Land Project, Rebuts Criticism

A civil Society group, Coalition for Good Governance (C4GG) has issued a strong defense of the ongoing development project on land in Osogbo’s Technical College, following recent criticisms from the Osogbo Affairs Forum.

The Forum, which has labeled the project as an “unwarranted” use of public land, alleges that the project disregards local interests.

In a detailed statement signed by C4GG’s Executive Director, Adetayo Adegbemle and made available to journalists, the coalition rebuffed these claims, calling them “misleading and unjust” and asserting that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to urban development and public welfare.

C4GG clarified that the land in question was acquired legally by the Osun State Government many years ago, with full compliance with the applicable laws.

“Let it be on record that the state government legitimately acquired the land in question from relevant stakeholders in accordance with the laws applicable at the time of acquisition,” the statement read, adding that the records are publicly accessible.

The coalition emphasized that the project represents a critical piece of Osun’s strategy to boost local infrastructure, create affordable housing, and offer additional public amenities through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Highlighting the specifics of the project, C4GG stated that the development, led by Zoe Global Industrial Limited, will include “not only modern, affordable housing but also numerous facilities that will benefit the public,” including a mapped estate, a shopping complex, and other accessible spaces.

These additions, C4GG argued, will not only elevate living standards but will “contribute to the quality of life for all citizens of Osun, ensuring the community has access to essential services, safe recreational areas, and economic opportunities.”

Moreover, C4GG pointed out that the project is projected to bring significant revenue into the state’s coffers.

The coalition estimated that the commercial facilities, such as the planned shopping complex, would substantially boost Osun’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“These funds will directly support the state’s role as a steward of Osun’s commonwealth, providing for the needs of its citizens and promoting sustainable growth, inconceivable that any group genuinely representing the people of Osogbo would attempt to stifle such a vital project.” the coalition noted.

Addressing the motives behind the Osogbo Affairs Forum’s opposition, C4GG alleged that individuals within the forum had previously attempted to gain control of the land for personal financial benefit, even seeking judicial avenues to further their interests.

“The authors [of the Forum’s publication] are not impartial advocates for the people; rather, they are known land grabbers who have attempted in the past to manipulate the judicial system in order to gain control over this very land,” C4GG asserted.

C4GG thereby noted that invoking the Rotary Four-Way Test, urging the public to evaluate the project’s merit through principles of truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit for all.

“The state government has acted with transparency and within its legal right to repurpose land for the public good,” the statement argued.

The coalition called on the people of Osogbo and Osun State to back the project, asserting that it will support the state’s growth, create new economic opportunities, and foster community unity through shared spaces.

“Our state is development-driven and focused on the future, and the Technical College land project is a cornerstone in that journey,” C4GG said.