…as stakeholders applaud efforts of government to promote development.
The Ekiti State Government has organised a two-day community engagement programme for host communities affected by the proposed Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), as part of efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development.
The event, held at Ago Araromi along Ijan Road brought together community leaders, professionals and other stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the project.
The lead resource person, Engr. Abiodun Kehinde, briefed participants on potential social and environmental impacts, including land acquisition, labour influx, community security, gender-based violence and child protection concerns.
Kehinde, who is also a Social Safeguard Consultant, stressed the importance of integrating community members into the implementation process.
“In projects funded by international bodies such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), community stakeholders are critical. It is not just about government and funding agencies. Host communities must be fully involved to ensure smooth implementation,” he said.
He added that stakeholders were enlightened on their roles in awareness creation, cooperation, monitoring compliance and preventing social vices.
Kehinde compared the proposed Knowledge Zone to global and national economic hubs, expressing optimism that it would drive development in the state.
He emphasised that consent in matters relating to land acquisition must be informed and voluntary.
The facilitators also drew attention to provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978, which vests land in government, and advised developers to obtain necessary approvals from relevant planning authorities before commencing construction.
A three-tier Grievance Redress Mechanism was outlined to address complaints at community, local government and state levels.
Participants were encouraged to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to enable youths benefit from opportunities expected from the project.
Participants at the forum expressed satisfaction with the Ekiti State Government.
One of them, Mr Joshua Adeyemi, described the training as informative, saying it had equipped community members with knowledge on how to support contractors and guide residents during the construction phase.
Another participant, Mr Oluyemi Olanipekun, said the programme exposed him to new insights about the scope and impact of the project.
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Dr J.Y. Aduloju, a lecturer at Venite University, said the engagement met expectations, noting that stakeholders were adequately informed about both the positive and negative impacts of the initiative.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the community, Mr Ojo Bankole Gabriel, commended the initiative, citing prospects of local contract opportunities, employment and technological development.
The Environmental Safeguard Specialist for the project, Mr Aluko Ayodele, representing the Project Coordinator, Ms. Lolade Olutola, said the engagement was aimed at promoting community ownership and ensuring stakeholders understood the structures put in place to address emerging issues.
The EKZ is being developed on 208.799 hectares of land between Ado-Ekiti and Ijan-Ekiti, with funding from the AfDB.
The project is designed as a technology and innovation hub to attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.