Ekiti State Government has commenced a two-day Livelihood Restoration Training for 97 identified vulnerable Project Affected Persons (PAPs) impacted by land acquisition for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) Project.
The training followed the payment of ₦1.4 billion as compensation to Project Affected Persons in June 2025 under the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Speaking during the programme, the RAP implementation Consultant, Dr. Oliver Nwuju described the livelihood restoration programme as a critical phase aimed at strengthening resilience and improving long-term income opportunities for the most vulnerable households within the host communities.
Dr. Nwuju explained that the training was designed to enhance existing livelihoods, improve financial literacy, promote cooperative development, and link beneficiaries to emerging economic opportunities within the EKZ ecosystem.
He said beneficiaries of the programme span multiple vulnerable categories, including tenant farmers, hunters, women engaged in oil palm processing and petty trading, as well as other persons affected by land acquisition and displacement.
In her remarks, the Project Coordinator, Ms Lolade Olutola who spoke through the Environmental Safeguards Expert in charge of the project, Mr. Ayodele Aluko, assured the Project Affected Persons of inclusivity and transparency in project implementation.
Reiterating the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to strict adherence to Local Content Law Ms Lolade Olutola pledged to ensure that all qualified community members are engaged in both direct and indirect employment opportunities generated by the Ekiti Knowledge Zone throughout its development phases.
She also assured that all stakeholders including farmers, hunters, and oil palm processors who were originally operating within the EKZ project site would benefit from periodic stipends and livelihood support.
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She said “the Ekiti Knowledge Zone is a flagship development initiative aimed at positioning the state as a hub for innovation, research, technology, and enterprise combining infrastructure development with social safeguards to ensure that host communities are active beneficiaries of progress.”
“The project which is expected to attract significant private sector investment, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate local businesses, and foster a transition toward a knowledge-based economy, is part of strategic investments to drive economic diversification, youth employment, skills development, and sustainable growth. The EKZ Project stands as a cornerstone of this vision.”