The Ekiti State Government has completed the disbursement of N300 million in compensation to 377 landowners affected by the land acquisition for the development of the Ekiti State Agro-Allied Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti. At a cheque disbursement ceremony held in Ado Ekiti, Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, representing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of landowners from communities including Ijan, Igbemo, Afao, and Iworoko. These communities relinquished their lands and economic trees for the ambitious airport project, which aims to boost the Ekiti state’s connectivity and economic standing.
Governor Oyebanji expressed deep appreciation to the landowners for their patience and cooperation, acknowledging the critical role they played in making the project possible. “This ceremony signifies the third and final tranche of compensation to 377 claimants. We thank you for your understanding and commitment to the development of Ekiti state,” he noted.
Ekiti State Airport Project: Justification and Strategic Vision
Addressing public concerns regarding the relevance of the airport, Governor Oyebanji dismissed any notion that the project is a misallocation of resources. He emphasized the long-term vision behind the Ekiti State Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, describing it as a transformative infrastructure meant to drive economic growth, diversify local industries, and boost the region’s accessibility to broader markets. “The Ekiti State Cargo Airport is more than an infrastructure project; it is a strategic asset for expanding our economy and attracting investment in agriculture, commerce, and tourism,” the governor explained.
Governor Oyebanji outlined a vision where the airport will not only enhance Ekiti State’s linkages to both national and international markets but will also serve as a hub for promoting local businesses, creating new opportunities, and attracting investment to the area. By serving as a gateway to different sectors, including agriculture and tourism, the airport aims to be a catalyst for growth, enabling businesses to flourish and encouraging economic development that benefits the entire Ekiti state.
Governor’s Commitment to Fair Compensation for Landowners
Governor Oyebanji reassured landowners who had not yet received their full compensation, urging them to refrain from interfering with ongoing construction activities. He underscored the government’s dedication to completing all remaining payments, recognizing it as both a legal and moral duty to compensate those who have been impacted. “We are committed to fairly and promptly compensating everyone affected. This administration values your cooperation and sacrifices,” Oyebanji affirmed.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Geographic Information Systems, Lands, and Survey, Professor James Olaleye, echoed this commitment, noting that the compensation package was designed to ease the burden of those affected by the airport project. Olaleye assured claimants that the government is diligently working to ensure that all outstanding compensations across various project sites will soon be fulfilled. “We understand the concerns of those still waiting for their payments, and we are committed to addressing these promptly,” he assured.
Community Leaders Express Support, but Questions Remain
Community representatives, including Chief Ojo Awe and Mr. Olufemi Oso, commended Governor Oyebanji’s administration for taking the needs of landowners seriously and following through on the compensation promises. They noted that the payouts signified the government’s responsiveness and commitment to fostering development without disregarding the concerns of the local communities. “The governor has shown he understands the sacrifices we have made, and his commitment to settling our claims is commendable,” Chief Awe remarked.
Despite the positive steps toward compensation, some residents voiced questions about when the airport will become operational. The construction’s progress and projected completion date remain points of interest for the affected communities, who hope to see the airport’s promised benefits materialize soon. As development continues, the Ekiti State Government is under growing pressure to provide a timeline for the airport’s opening, which will mark the fulfillment of its promise to drive economic growth and connectivity in Ekiti State.
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