Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has presented N146 million in compensation to 46 indigenes of Oke Ako Ekiti, whose land was acquired for a commercial agriculture project.
The cheque presentation took place on Saturday in Oke Ako, Ikole Local Government Area.
Governor Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the progress of the agribusiness initiative, despite initial delays due to land acquisition challenges.
He commended the cooperation of the Oke Ako community, led by Regent Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi, and assured that the project would lead to road rehabilitation, improved healthcare facilities, and the establishment of cottage industries, boosting the local economy.
The governor also noted a reduction in criminal activities, such as kidnapping, in the area, noting that forests previously used as hideouts were now cleared and cultivated by local youths involved in the agribusiness scheme.
“We are compensating landowners for the economic trees lost during the land acquisition process, allowing them to acquire new land for farming and sustain their livelihoods,” Governor Oyebanji stated.
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“Before clearing the remaining economic trees, we will compensate the owners. Large-scale commercial farming will bring many benefits, including factories, schools, hospitals, and even tractor assembly and engineering hubs.”
A total of 4,000 hectares of land have been allocated to young farmers under the “Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture” scheme, a collaboration with YSP Farm in Oke Ako.
The governor stressed the importance of Oke Ako in the Ekiti State Special Agriculture Processing programme and its potential as an economic asset, with plans for tractor training, assembly, and repair hubs.
The event also saw a dry season harvest by participants in the youth agribusiness programme, with the governor inaugurating tractors and processing equipment for the farmers.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, praised the governor’s commitment to agriculture and food security, calling the compensation payment a testament to his dedication to the sector’s growth.
Professor James Olaleye, the Special Adviser on Lands, Survey, and e-GIS, noted that the sacrifices of the landowners would help transform Ekiti into a leading agricultural center in Nigeria. Princess Ogunbiyi, the Regent of Oke Ako, thanked Governor Oyebanji for attracting investors to the community and assured continued support for the agribusiness initiative.
