Auchi Residents Hail Edo Govt For Taking CofO Services To Edo North
By Simeon OSAJIE
Residents of Edo North Senatorial District of Edo State including Royal Fathers, Government officials, Politicians, Students, Council staff and Artisans have roundly applauded Edo State Government for bringing Certificate of Occupancy services to the district.
This follows the official flag-off of the Edo North office of Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) located at the Etsako West Local Government Council Secretariat in Auchi on Thursday, August 7, 2025 during a Stakeholders’ Engagement.
Welcoming dignitaries, the Managing Director, EDOGIS, Dr. Tony Ikpasaja explained that the idea to decentralize the EDOGIS office was in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision of extending the services of his administration, particularly CofO, to the grassroots.
Dr. Ikpasaja whose address was delivered by the Project Manager of the Agency, assured the Stakeholders of adequate, timely and prompt service delivery, provided they complied fully with the necessary requirements.
He urged residents to feel free to contact officers of EDOGIS at the Council Secretariat in Auchi to kick start the processing of their Certificates of Occupancy and other services rendered by the Agency, adding that the office has been fully equipped with competent hands, requisite technology , equipment and logistics to facilitate the process.
Traditional rulers at the event, including the Otaru of Auchi Scared kingdom, represented by Prince Alhaji H.M. Momoh, Daudu of Auchi kingdom; the Aidenojie of South Ibie, HRH Alhaji K.A. Danesi and the Ogieneni of Uzairue kingdom, HRH Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai (IV) represented by Alhaji A.R. Momodu, JP and several other Daudus and clan Heads commended the state government and expressed delight at the initiative to open the Edo North office in Auchi.
They however used the opportunity to raise some concerns about the procedures involved in getting a certificate of occupancy, which were however, promptly and adequately addressed .
A combined team of top EDOGIS Officers including the Project Manager; the Director of Media, Dr. Tunde Eigbiremolen; Land Administration Officer and Head, Vetting Unit, Madam Patience Okundaye and Principal Estate Officer, ESV. Emmanuel Oziegbe offered insightful perspectives on the mandate and services of EDOGIS which resulted in a very robust and intense discourse during the Interactive session.
Highpoint of the event was a group photograph of stakeholders followed by a rally/ road show round business premises, markets and adjourning streets of Auchi and environs to sensitize residents on the presence of EDOGIS in Edo North and services rendered by the Agency.
EDOGIS is the State Government agency saddled with the responsibility and mandate to administer all Land resources in the State and also grant titles to such land assets. The Agency also acquires land on behalf of government for overriding public interest and collect all Land-based taxes for the government.
