The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. (Dr.) Gift Worlu, has reaffirmed his administration’s support to the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Rivers State Chapter, stressing the need for collaborative efforts in tackling land grabbing and corruption in the real estate sector.
Dr. Worlu, who attended the REDAN Rivers State Chapter meeting, said it was impossible for him to ignore the activities of the association, given its importance to the development of society. He commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its active role in combating corruption and urged Nigerians to rally behind the agency in its mission to restore the country’s lost glory as the “Giant of Africa.”
“The role EFCC is playing in Nigeria needs support from everyone. It is one thing to say that our country has lost its place as Giant of Africa and another to decide what we must do to regain it. Everyone must support EFCC in the fight against corruption,” Worlu said.
The Council Chairman expressed his concerns over the rising cases of land grabbing, which he described as an evil practice threatening not only real estate investment but also the safety and economic future of the people.
“During my campaign, I promised to tackle issues affecting our people, and one of them is land grabbing. Unfortunately, some individuals have disguised as real estate developers to carry out land grabbing using frivolous documents. Land grabbing is dangerous—it destroys business confidence, discourages investors, and has links to crimes such as kidnapping and murder,” he stated.
Citing a recent murder case in Bayelsa State over land, Dr. Gift Worlu warned that if left unchecked, land grabbing could destabilize Rivers State’s economy the same way kidnapping once drove multinational companies away from the Niger Delta.
“Land grabbing is the new kidnapping. If we allow it to continue, it will devalue our properties and cripple real estate development in Rivers State,” he added.
The Obio/Akpor Chairman promised to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and assured REDAN of the Council’s full support in curbing the menace.
In his remarks, Dr. Ory Martins A., Chairman of REDAN Rivers State, appealed to Dr. Gift Worlu to intervene in the challenges of multiple taxation and fencing permits faced by developers. He emphasized the need for streamlined processes and the creation of an official desk to discourage illegal collections by touts.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Aundu Sunju, an EFCC officer, advised developers to always profile prospective land buyers and provide client details to the EFCC as part of due diligence. He noted that such cooperation would reduce risks associated with real estate development and prevent fraudulent transactions.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to work together in sanitizing the real estate sector and promoting sustainable development in Rivers State.
Signed,
Office of the Chairman, Obio/Akpor
27th September, 2025
