Ekiti State Government has paid ₦1.45 billion in compensation to 195 landowners from Ijan, Awo, and Araromi Ekiti whose lands were acquired for the development of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project.
The EKZ is backed by an $80 million loan from the African Development Bank, guaranteed by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The funds are managed directly by the AfDB. The project is strategically linked to the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and the Ekiti Ring Road.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji, speaking at the compensation flag-off, stated that the payment reflects his administration’s commitment to fairness and economic justice.
“This compensation reflects our commitment to justice, transparency and shared prosperity. We increased the valuation from ₦1.12 billion to ₦1.45 billion to reflect current realities and ensure that our people are treated fairly,” the governor said.
Reiterating his administration’s resolve to place people at the center of development, the governor said “The future of Ekiti is knowledge-driven,” he said. “And our people remain at the heart of all we do.”
In addition to financial compensation, affected landowners will benefit from training in vocational skills, agro-industrial support, social services, and post-settlement monitoring to ensure long-term stability.
According to the Director-General of the Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), Ms. Lolade Olutola, “This project is about more than land; it is about empowering lives and building a future where no one is left behind.”
The EKZ is expected to transform the state’s economy and create over 14,000 jobs. An idea of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, he said, “Our goal is to build a knowledge-driven economy that provides opportunities for everyone, especially our young people. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is central to that vision.”
The Managing Director of the consultancy firm, Green Engagement Limited, appointed to implement the Resettlement Action Plan, Mr. Adewale Adediran, praised the transparency of the exercise and reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to global best practices.
Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, commended the governor’s decision to revise the compensation upward. “This is a government that listens. By revisiting the compensation figures, Governor Oyebanji has shown that the welfare of the people is a top priority,” he said.
The EKZ is backed by an $80 million loan from the African Development Bank, guaranteed by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The funds are managed directly by the AfDB. The project is strategically linked to the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and the Ekiti Ring Road.
