By Henry Odeh
The executive governor of Oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde, has flagged off issuance of the widely publicized digitized Certificate of Occupancy (C of Os) by presenting certificates to the first set of beneficiaries. Sunrisebulletin.com reports.
The governor, while speaking at the event which held at the Agodi state government house, in Ibadan on Monday, said that the new C of O has put an end to the unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks involved in the process of acquiring the digitized certificate.
He said: “you will agree with me that anyone who has proper documentation to prove ownership and purpose of property to have peace of mind regarding that property.
“For entrepreneurs, being able to quickly and easily obtain this legal documents is important in making business decisions, in fact, how quickly such documents can be processed can greatly influence investors decisions as to where to situate a factory or other business premises.
“It is therefore, the government responsibility to ensure the right policies are put in place to make the documentation associated with home ownership quick and easy.
“And this is why we are gathered here today for the symbolic handover of certificates of Occupancy to beneficiaries of an upgraded version of the home owners chattered digitized certificate of Occupancy.
“Let me share with you how this intervention differs from what we met when we assumed office a year ago. First, the acquisition of the new home owners chattered C of O is now within 60 days from the day of submission of application form provided there is no objection.
“Before now, it would take you between three to four months, the shorter time period is built essentially for businesses which may choose to be situated in Oyo state.
“We have eliminated all the bureaucratic bottlenecks that lead to delay in processing C of Os. We have created a digitized platform with due referencing which enables home owners or holders to confirm the true ownership of a property from anywhere in the world at their conveniences.
“This means that if you wish to buy a property in Oyo state you can check the authenticity of ownership online from anywhere in the world, this new digitized platform has all operating equipments and facilities funded by the Oyo state government.
“All data will be domiciled on a state owned server and will ensure the security and safety of all these documents. We have also installed new security features to for these documents to checkmate forgery.
“Well, for those who have never had the privilege of owning a C of O, this is a good opportunity to get one.”
The governor assured that his administration will continue to put structures that will continue to bring government closer to the people in place urging property owners to avail themselves of the opportunities to acquire the digitized C of O.
