Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has released ₦1.45 billion in compensation to 195 landowners across Ijan, Awo, and Araromi communities. The funds are part of the government’s efforts to acquire land for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) — a major development project set to transform the state into a tech-driven economy.

What’s the Ekiti Knowledge Zone?

The EKZ project is a bold step by the state government to build a business and innovation hub where knowledge-based companies can thrive. It’s expected to create over 14,000 new jobs, with a strong focus on youth empowerment and tech-driven employment.

Governor Oyebanji, while presenting the cheques at a brief event held in Ado Ekiti, said the initiative is not just about infrastructure — it’s about reshaping the future of Ekiti.

Adjusted for Economic Realities

Originally, compensation was pegged at a little over ₦1.1 billion, but the figure was revised upward to ₦1.45 billion to reflect Nigeria’s current economic climate.

“We promised fairness and transparency, and that’s what we’re delivering,” Oyebanji stated.
“This isn’t just a payout. It’s a promise to build a future that includes everyone.”

 Backed by Infrastructure and Big Ideas

The Governor also highlighted other state-led infrastructure efforts that support EKZ, including:

• The Ekiti Agro-Allied Cargo Airport

• The Ekiti Ring Road Project

He stressed that these are not isolated projects, but part of a larger economic blueprint to open Ekiti up for trade, tech, and investment.

 International Backing and Holistic Resettlement

Oyebanji thanked the Federal Government and the African Development Bank for creating an enabling environment and supporting the project technically and financially. He added that consultants from Green Engagement Limited have been brought on board to ensure that the resettlement process is transparent and fair.

Beyond financial compensation, the state is also providing:

• Skills training

• Social services

• Vocational programs

• Post-compensation monitoring

This ensures that affected individuals aren’t just paid off, but also equipped for long-term success.

Voices from the Project Team

Ms. Lolade Olutola, Director General of the Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) and EKZ Project Coordinator, reassured the communities that the government remains committed to listening and responding to residents’ concerns.

 A Quick Look at EKZ

• The Ekiti Knowledge Zone sits on 208.9 hectares of land along the Ado-Ijan Road.

• It was approved as a Free Trade Zone by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

• It is among Nigeria’s first service-knowledge business parks, designed to attract investors and innovators alike.

 Why This Matters

Nigeria is pushing hard to develop Free Trade Zones as part of its long-term economic growth plan. According to NEPZA, these zones have already brought in ₦14.1 trillion in investments nationwide.

With EKZ, Ekiti is not just keeping pace — it’s positioning itself as a national leader in tech, trade, and innovation.

The post ₦1.45 Billion Payout: Oyebanji Compensates Landowners for Ekiti Tech City Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The governor issued the warning on Sunday in Ado Ekiti while inspecting areas affected by heavy flooding on Saturday. The inspection included a visit to the Osekita area of Ekiti State University (EKSU), where hostels were inundated by floodwaters. Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, donated food palliatives to students who lost personal belongings in the incident.

Addressing the victims, the governor urged residents to avoid actions that could thwart the government’s flood control measures. He emphasized that indiscriminate dumping of refuse and illegal building on waterways are significant factors exacerbating flooding in the state.

Governor Oyebanji expressed sympathy for the flood victims, particularly the students, and stressed that many of the causes of flooding could be prevented if citizens refrained from obstructing drainage systems and waterways. He noted that the government had been proactive in addressing the issue by dredging rivers and channelizing flood-prone areas, such as the Elemi and Ureje rivers in Ado Ekiti.

“On behalf of Governor Oyebanji, I sympathize with you on this unfortunate incident. Despite the sad circumstances, we thank God no lives were lost. The government has made significant investments in flood control, and we will continue to assist victims of natural disasters like floods, rainstorms, and fires,” the governor said.

Governor Oyebanji further assured the public that the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would assess the affected areas for proper documentation and assistance.

In response to the incident, EKSU Vice Chancellor Professor Babatola Ayodele promised that the university would take preventive measures to avoid future occurrences, including raising awareness among students about avoiding flood-prone accommodations. He lamented the loss of students’ valuables, including books and foodstuffs, and called for relief packages to ease their hardship.

One of the affected students, Adekunle Adeyemi, expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit and noted that the relief materials would greatly help them during this challenging time.

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