Stakeholders have called on the Delta State Government to urgently confront the escalating crisis of unregulated land acquisition, warning that fraudulent practices and unchecked transactions are displacing families, eroding cultural heritage, and fueling social unrest across communities.
The appeal was made on Thursday in Asaba during the 12th anniversary celebration of Ndokwa Reporters, which also featured the unveiling of its flagship annual policy platform, the BEL Dialogue.
The maiden edition was themed: “Development or Displacement: Understanding the Cost of Unregulated Land Acquisition in Our Communities, The Role of Government and Traditional Institutions in Safeguarding Community Lands.”
Participants at the forum called for a comprehensive review of the 1978 Land Use Act, which they described as outdated, flawed, and prone to abuse.
They stressed that without urgent reforms, local communities would remain vulnerable to land grabbing by powerful interests, external developers, and criminal actors.
Chairman of the dialogue and former federal lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, PhD, underscored the urgency of the issue, citing the recent protest by the Umuseti Community of Utagba Uno in Ndokwa West over unauthorized land sales as clear evidence of the growing crisis.
> “The theme of this dialogue is not only timely but urgent. While development brings opportunities, reckless land acquisitions displace families, erode cultural heritage, and destabilize communities.
This dialogue is therefore a call to explore sustainable processes for land acquisition, identify best practices, and foster collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, civil society, and community members,” Ossai stated.
He reminded participants that the Land Use Act of 1978 vests all land within a state in the governor, who holds it in trust for the people.
He emphasized the need for transparency in administering both Statutory Rights of Occupancy (urban areas) and Customary Rights of Occupancy (rural communities), stressing that all valid transactions require the governor’s consent.
“With the Land Use Act in view, we can work together to find solutions that balance development needs with the rights and interests of our communities,” he added.
The event drew a wide array of policymakers, civil society leaders, property developers, and communication experts. Notable discussants included: Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, FNIPR (communications strategist and environmental advocate), Barr. Thomas Otunuya Anigara (lawyer and journalist).
Chief Monday Ogheneruona Itoghor (environmentalist and GIS expert), Tpl. Oguafor Innocent Ifeanyi (chartered town planner), Odih Christian Udoka (aide to the traditional ruler of Okpanam), Esv. Mike Mbagwu, FNIVS (estate surveyor), and Prince Michael O. Orji, Esq. Together, they stressed the urgent need for decisive government action to restore order in land administration across Delta State.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Emmanuel O. Enebeli, President and CEO of BEL Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters, described the occasion as “historic.”
He recounted the platform’s journey since its inception on May 3, 2013, reaffirming its mission of amplifying grassroots voices and promoting accountability in governance.
“Our stories must be told by us, not for us. If we fail to support our own storytellers, we risk having our realities erased or misrepresented. Development thrives when stories of progress, struggles, and resilience are told by those who live them,” Enebeli said.
He announced that the BEL Dialogue would now hold annually every May, serving as a policy and development platform to strengthen collaboration between communities, government, and civil society.
The interactive session, which featured robust exchanges between panelists and participants, is expected to produce a communiqué outlining actionable strategies for transparent, people-centered, and sustainable land administration in Delta State.
Notable attendees included Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s aide, Mr. Olisa Ifejika (Public Enlightenment on Projects and Policies), Mr. Felix Ofou (New Media), and Mr. Norbert Chiazor (Media).
Others are epresentative of Barr. Bridget Anyafulu (Member, Oshimili South Constituency), Mr. Edward Ogude, retired Deputy Manager, Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba; alongside media practitioners, women groups, and youth representatives.
