Epe Losing Its Agricultural Pedigree–Don
Dr Abdulkareem Onakoya, a lecturer in the Political Science Department of the Lagos State University of Education(LASUED), Noforija-Epe, says the town is losing its agricultural pedigree.
Onakoya, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Epe, Lagos, said the development called for concern.
“Epe indigenes are selling all the farmlands to real estate people, realtors and other individuals for residential purposes.
“This development is making Epe town to lose its farmlands and agricultural edge.
“The indigenes should preserve huge portions of land for farming sustainability.’’
He said that most of Epe farmlands had been sold to outsiders and realtors for monetary purposes, while the Epe waterways for fishing had been polluted by dredging.
“When we were young, people come from Lagos to buy Garri in Mojoda-Epe because they believe that Garri Mojoda-Epe is a trademark in the industry; but I am not sure if we have that anymore,” he said.
Onakoya lauded alleged plans to revoke licenses of some of the real estate owners in the area.
He said he was hopeful that the move might help Epe recover some of the lands for agricultural purposes.
The academic opined that utilisation of lands for agricultural purpose, stronger leadership and the practice of subsistence farming in people’s homes would help Epe town to grow.