Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has disbursed a total of N146 million in compensation to 46 Oke Ako indigenes whose land was acquired for a commercial agriculture project. The cheque presentation took place in Oke Ako, Ikole Local Government Area, on Saturday.
During the event, Oyebanji expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the agribusiness initiative, despite initial setbacks related to land acquisition.
He praised the Oke Ako community, led by Regent Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi, for their cooperation with his administration.
The governor assured that the project would not only drive agricultural growth but also bring infrastructural improvements, including road rehabilitation, enhanced healthcare facilities, and the creation of cottage industries to stimulate the local economy.
He also highlighted the positive impact the scheme has had on reducing criminal activities in the area.
“The clearing and cultivation of forests, which were previously used as hideouts by criminals, has contributed to a significant reduction in kidnapping and other criminal activities,” he said.
In his remarks, Oyebanji emphasized that the compensation was part of his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people.
“What we are doing here today is another promise fulfilled, ensuring that compensation is paid to citizens whose land was acquired for commercial agricultural purposes,” he stated.
“We are compensating them for the economic trees lost during the acquisition process so they can acquire new land to continue farming and sustain their livelihoods.”
The governor went on to highlight the long-term benefits of large-scale commercial farming, which he believes will lead to the development of factories, schools, hospitals, and even tractor assembly and engineering hubs.
As part of the project, 4,000 hectares of land have been allocated to young farmers under the “Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture” initiative, a partnership with YSP Farm in Oke Ako.
Oyebanji also underscored Oke Ako’s importance to the Ekiti State Special Agriculture Processing Programme, noting its potential as an economic hub with facilities for tractor training, assembly, and repairs.
Expatriates will be on-site to provide training for local youths, further enhancing the region’s agribusiness capabilities.
The event also showcased a dry season harvest by participants in the “Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture” program, with Oyebanji inaugurating tractors and processing equipment for the young farmers’ use.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, commended the governor’s dedication to agriculture and food security, noting that the compensation payment was a testament to Oyebanji’s commitment to the sector’s growth.
Prof. James Olaleye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey, and e-GIS, acknowledged the sacrifices made by landowners, stating that their contributions would play a pivotal role in transforming Ekiti into a leading agricultural center in Nigeria.
Princess Ogunbiyi, Regent of Oke Ako, expressed gratitude to the governor for attracting investors to the community, reaffirming her people’s unwavering support for the success of the agribusiness project.
