The Ogun Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution on the search for oil and other natural minerals in the state to boost its economy.
The assembly also passed a resolution on erection of demarcation and boundaries between the state and neighbouring states to reduce encroachment.
Passing the resolution on the search for oil, the assembly mandated the state government to provide the enabling environment to carry out the assignment.
The passage of the resolution followed the motion moved by its sponsor, Adeyinka Mafe, who is also the majority leader, and was seconded by Mr Oludare Kadiri.
Opening the debate on the resolution, Mafe said that the search and exploration for oil and mineral resources in the state was long overdue.
He said that the step was necessary to boost revenue generation, adding that if oil was found, the state would be accorded oil producing status and get more revenue.
Mr Aina Akinpelu said that oil exploration would create employment opportunities for the teaming unemployed graduates.
On erection of demarcation and boundaries between Ogun State and its neighbours, the assembly said that this would reduce the rate of encroachment into the state.
Mr Ganiyu Oyedeji moved the motion for the passage of the resolution and it was seconded by Mr Bowale Solaja while the House supported it.
Oyedeji, representing Ifo 11 constituency, said that the resolution would also put an end to attendant conflicts.
He said that the erection of signposts and demarcations would go a long way in curbing conflicts among the people on land-related disputes, while creating more awareness and identification for residents in the state.
He explained that the erection of the signpost by the State Boundary Committee would also boost revenue collection in the state and aid the delivery of democratic dividends to people.
In another development, four bills scaled through the first reading during plenary at the floor of the assembly on Thursday.
The bills are Customary Courts (Amendment) Law of the Ogun State, 2016, the Magistrates’ Courts (Amendment) Law 2016, the Ogun State Accident Victim’s First Aid Law, 2016.
The fourth bill is the Harmonised Revenue and other Charges Law of Ogun State, 2016.
Mr Lanre Bisiriyu, the Clerk of the assembly, read the bill to the whole house for the first time.
Meanwhile, the assembly has invited the Governor’s appointee as State Auditor-General, Mr Babajide Olubanjo, to appear before the Committee of the Whole House for screening on Monday.
The invitation followed a correspondence from Gov. Ibikunle Amosun dated Oct. 31, seeking the ratification of the appointment of Olubanjo which was read by the Speaker, Mr Suraj Adekunbi.
The governor said that the letter was in compliance with Section 126(1) of the 1999 Constitution. (NAN)