Oyebanji begins ₦1.45bn compensation for landowners affected by EKZ project

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By Boye Oyeyemi –

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has commenced the payment of ₦1.45 billion in compensation to 195 landowners affected by the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project, which spans the Awo, Araromi, and Ijan communities.

The EKZ is a flagship initiative designed to create an innovation and business incubation hub aimed at supporting knowledge-based enterprises and generating over 14,000 jobs, especially for young people.

At the compensation ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji described the project as pivotal to unlocking the state’s intellectual and economic potential. He said the EKZ would be backed by infrastructure like the Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and the nearing completion Ekiti Ring Road.

To ensure fairness, the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is being implemented in partnership with Green Engagement Limited. Oyebanji emphasized the importance of justice and transparency in all compensation-related processes.

The governor also clarified that the EKZ project is financed through an $80 million African Development Bank loan guaranteed by the Federal Government, but the state does not directly manage the funds. Procurement and payments are overseen by AfDB and the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA).

He noted that no state project proceeds without compensating affected persons, citing examples like the Ring Road, the Green Project, and the Akure-Iju-Itaogbolu-Ikere road. Payments for other federal infrastructure, including the TCN line in Ilupeju, have also been approved.

Beyond compensation, the government is supporting affected persons through vocational training, agricultural support, and post-compensation monitoring to promote sustainable livelihoods.

EKDIPA Director-General, Ms. Lolade Olutola, described the compensation exercise as a commitment to inclusive and transparent development, saying the EKZ will empower youth, support families, and ensure no one is left behind in Ekiti’s development.