The African Development Bank (AFDB) has confirmed payment of N1.45b compensation to 195 people affected by the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project by the Ekiti State Government.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji had in June this year, approved the compensation payment following a valuation exercise aligned with updated market rates after a 2022 enumeration of lands, economic trees, and assets across the project site.
The EKZ project, covering 208 hectares across Ago-Araromi and Ijan, aims to establish a modern city dedicated to innovation, ICT training, and knowledge-based enterprise development. The land acquisition, agreed upon through extensive community sensitization, negotiations, and awareness campaigns falls under the AFDB’s Involuntary Resettlement Policy, which mandates full and timely compensation for all Project Affected Persons (PAPs).
The confirmation was made after a verification exercise conducted by AFDB officials led by Social Safeguard Specialist, Dr. Mohammed Hamadina and Environmental Safeguard Expert, Mr. Uzoma Okoroafor, who visited the benefitting communities to verify the compensation process for land acquired for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project.
In his remarks, the Mr. Mohammed Hamadina explained that the visit was to confirm that all those affected by the Knowledge Zone project have received their dues and that any concerns have been properly documented and resolved, stressing the bank’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and community welfare.
He said, “AFDB is a development-focused institution. Any individual who loses property or livelihood to an AFDB-backed project must be adequately compensated in a way that uplifts and does not disadvantage them. The Bank’s priority is to ensure that every intervention improves the quality of lives across Africa.”
Also speaking, AFDB Environmental Safeguard Expert, Mr. Uzoma Okoroafor said the Knowledge Zone project was designed to serve the people and strengthen the growth of Ekiti State adding that the forum was to reinforce the bank and the State Government’s shared commitment to development.
Commending the State Government for the thoroughness of the valuation and disbursement process, the AFDB officials explained that all affected persons have now been fully compensated, adding that compensations were paid according to the lands and economic assets enumerated during the 2022 assessment.
Technical Adviser to the Governor on Green Economy, Ecological Matters, and Climate Change, Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha, in his own remarks, described the exercise as “essential for accountability and progress”.
Stressing the commitment of the Oyebanji administration to transparency, accountability, equity and inclusiveness as well as effectiveness and efficiency, Mr. Akinyugha said the forum was designed to ensure that all affected the people affected by the Knowledge Zone project are carried along with nobody left unattended to.
According to him, the verification exercise marked another significant step toward actualization of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone which is currently at its infrastructure development stage.
He thanked AFDB for its diligence and commended the communities for their cooperation since the project began.
“The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is a transformational project for our youths and our economy and today’s programme ensures that every PAP is carried along, and that only lands legally acquired for the project are affected,” he said.
Responding, representatives of the affected communities confirmed receiving their payments as agreed and expressed gratitude to the State Government for its due diligence.
The Chairman of Ago Araromi Community, Mr. Ojo Bankole, who also lauded AFDB’s support for the project, highlighted its long-term benefits and pledged the continued support of the community for the venture.
Another PAP from Ago Araromi, Mr. Aduloju Ayodeji commended the process of the compensation exercise which he noted was carried out with a “maximum level of transparency”.
Last modified: November 11, 2025
