DAMISI OJO,Akure
Activities resumed today after about four months embargo placed on forest reserves in Ondo state by the state government.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at the weekend lifted the ban on forest activities since August thereby making activities to start at many sawmills across the state that hitherto witnessed skeletal services due to the lockdown.
The forest lockdown had negative effects on the Wood Industry stakeholders across the state.
Our Correspondent visited some Saw mills in Akure,Ikare and Imo-Arigidi Akoko where stakeholders were seen discussing the impact of the embargo in hushed tune
At semusemu,which is largest and the oldest wood centres in Akokoland special prayers were held for the commencement of activities.
A stakeholder in Timber supply,Mr Dayo Abidoye described the three months of embargo as tough time for stakeholders because their means of sustenance were negatively affected.
Abidoye hailed the state government for lifting the ban, urging stakeholders to abide by government guidelines on operations.
A food seller in one of the sawmills Mrs Janet Ojo counted her losses during the period,saying customers deserted sawmills.
A timber lorry driver, Joseph Ajala said his children could not resume in schools due to lack of activities in the forest that usually fetch him money.
A prominent sawmiller in Arigidi Akoko, Chief Ezekiel Olalere gave kudos to government for listening to their demands, urging stakeholders to abide by government rules and regulations in their daily activities.
