Ekiti Knowledge Zone To Deliver 14,000 Jobs, Says Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has projected that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project will deliver over 14,000 jobs to the state’s residents, particularly youth.

He said the project is a strategic economic initiative to create an innovation-driven ecosystem and a business incubation platform for knowledge-based enterprises in the state.

The governor spoke on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti while presenting over N1,450,000,000 cheques as compensation to 195 indigenes of Ijan, Awo, and Araromi Ekiti, whose land was acquired for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project.

The governor said the EKZ is a clear step toward tackling unemployment and building a sustainable future for future generations.

Explaining the potential of the Knowledge Zone and describing it as a catalyst for development, Governor Oyebanji said, “As a State celebrated for its intellectual capital, we have chosen to leverage this unique strength to drive inclusive economic growth and create a vibrant hub for innovation and service-driven industries.’’

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Emphasising that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone does not stand alone, the Governor explained that his administration has put in place critical supporting infrastructure to ensure its viability and long-term success, including the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and the Ekiti Ring Road Project, among others.

He further explained that the state government has also engaged Green Engagement Limited as a Consultant to ensure a just and transparent process for implementing the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Project-Affected Persons.

The governor expressed his profound appreciation to the federal government, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for fostering an enabling environment for the project and to the African Development Bank for funding the project and providing consistent technical support to the project implementation unit.

In her remarks, Ms Lolade Olutola, Director General of the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) and EKZ Project Coordinator, expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Ekiti State’s future is built on its strength of knowledge, creativity, and resilience.