Ekiti State Government has commenced the payment of ₦1.45 billion compensation to 195 landowners affected by land acquisition for the implementation of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji also dismissed misconceptions regarding the financing of the EKZ project, clarifying that although the Federal Government guaranteed an $80 million loan on behalf of the state, the funds were not disbursed directly to the state government.
The beneficiaries are drawn from the Aro, Araromi, and Ijan communities in Gbonyi Local Government, where the project is situated.
Speaking during the disbursement of cheques to the affected individuals in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji described the EKZ as a cornerstone project designed to harness the state’s intellectual capital to drive inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, and job creation.
According to him, the project is projected to generate over 14,000 jobs, primarily targeting young people.
“The EKZ is not a standalone initiative. It is supported by critical infrastructure such as the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, which has commenced scheduled flights, and the Ekiti Ring Road project, which is nearing completion. These facilities ensure efficient connectivity and access,” the governor stated.
The governor said that to ensure transparency and fairness in implementing the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), the state government engaged Green Engagement Limited as consultants.
Speaking of the $80 million loan for EKZ, he said, “The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), oversees the procurement process and pays contractors directly.
“The state government neither receives nor handles the loan funds,” he emphasised.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and accountability, noting that no project under his leadership begins without full compensation to affected persons.
“We have paid compensation for the Ring Road project, Green Project lands, the Akure-Iju-Itaogbolu-Ikere federal road, and we have approved payments for others, including the TCN line in Ilupeju and Ijesa-Isu.
“Beyond monetary compensation, the administration has introduced livelihood restoration programmes, including vocational training, agricultural production support, and post-compensation monitoring to ensure sustainable resettlement,” he said.
Oyebanji expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the African Development Bank for their support and technical assistance in realising the EKZ project.
In her opening remarks, the Director-General of EKDIPA and Project Coordinator, Ms. Lolade Olutola, described the compensation exercise as a significant milestone reflecting the administration’s dedication to inclusive development, transparency, and fairness.
“The Knowledge Zone is designed to empower youth, support families, and lay the foundation for Ekiti’s future through knowledge, creativity, and resilience.
“Through this compensation, we affirm that development in Ekiti leaves no one behind.”
