Ekiti State Government has allayed fears of land owners on compensation over the proposed construction of the Ring Road Phase I, assuring that compensation would be paid in line with international best practice.
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun explained that the meeting held by representatives of Government led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye with Traditional rulers, community leaders and some of the affected landowners from Iworoko, Are, Afao, Araromi, Igbemo and Orun communities was convened at the instance of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to assuage reservations of the affected landowners on the payment of compensations for their lands.
Stressing that the meeting with the stakeholders was very fruitful, Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun said that it provided opportunity to address all grey areas, adding that while the State Government guaranteed payment of compensation for all acquired property to give way for the projects after due evaluation, all stakeholder agreed to see the project as a collective responsibility in order to achieve the desire result.
He said that the affected land owners also agreed to cooperate with land enumerators and not unjustifiably exaggerate the size and value of their acquired properties.
Olatunbosun said that “the Ring road was conceived as part of efforts of the Oyebanji’s administration for all round development, particularly in the area of infrastructure. The Ring road would secure free access to all parts of the State, attract investors and turn the State to an industrial hub”.
Noting that the slightly less than 18kilometer road would be completed in 24months, the Commissioner said that it would ease road congestion, raise productivity especially in the agricultural sector and lower production costs thus boosting the economy.
Olatunbosun added that the road projects would tactically boost commerce, development and security as well as generally make life easier for the people, stressing that it would boost socio-economic activities in the affected areas.
“The economic benefits are many, the good it serves for security is clear, and the human convenience is incalculable. The focus is to develop good road networks so that people, goods, and services could move quickly and efficiently in and around the State”, he asserted.
Last modified: January 25, 2024