Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday, presented cheques worth N1.45billion as compensation to 195 indigenes of Ijan, Awo and Araromi Ekiti, whose land were acquired for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project.
The governor described the EKZ project as “a strategic economic initiative aimed at creating an innovation-driven ecosystem and a business incubation platform for knowledge-based enterprises in the state”.
Oyebanji, who spoke while presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries at the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti, said, “EKZ is projected to deliver over 14,000 jobs, particularly for the youth. This is a clear step toward tackling unemployment and building a sustainable future for future generations.
“As a show of appreciation and in line with our promise of justice and transparency, I am pleased to announce that the total compensation package initially assessed at ₦1.119billion has now been reviewed to reflect current economic realities and stands at N1.45billion which is being disbursed today”.
The governor, who described the Knowledge Zone as a catalyst for development, said, “As a state celebrated for its intellectual capital, we have chosen to leverage this unique strength to drive inclusive economic growth and create a vibrant hub for innovation and service-driven industries”.
He stressed that the EKZ did not stand alone, but had critical supporting infrastructure to ensure its viability and long-term success which included the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and Ekiti Ring Road Project, among others.
Oyebanji said that the state government had also engaged Green Engagement Limited as consultant to ensure a just and transparent process in implementing the Resettlement Action Plan for the project affected persons.
He expressed appreciation to the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for fostering an enabling environment for the project and as well African Development Bank for funding the project and consistent technical support to the Project Implementation Unit.
Oyebanji affirmed that beyond financial compensation, his administration remained committed to providing additional support measures to vulnerable persons which included capacity development in oil palm agro-production, vocational skills training, social services and post-compensation monitoring to ensure a more holistic and sustainable resettlement process.
While clarifying misconceptions on financing the project, the governor said that although the Federal Government guaranteed an $80million loan on behalf of the state, the funds were not disbursed directly to the state government.
He said, “AfDB, in partnership with Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, oversees the procurement process and pays contractors directly. The state government neither receives nor handles the loan funds”.
In her remarks, the Director General, EKDIPA and EKZ Project Coordinator, Ms Lolade Olutola, expressed government’s commitment to ensuring that the future of Ekiti State was built on its strength of knowledge, creativity and resilience.
She also affirmed that the shared value of fairness, transparency and inclusion of the administration was not being left out in the compensation process, adding that the event reflected on the commitment of the administration to ensure that no one was left behind in Governor Oyebanji’s developmental agenda.
The Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, who expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling his promise and for prioritizing citizens’ welfare, described the EKZ project as “a complete solution to the problem in the country intellectually, technically and all round development”.
Mr Bankole Ojo, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the governor and assured him of their continued support for the implementation of the project.
