The Ekiti State Government has revealed a new Agricultural Processing Zone designed to enhance food security and create job opportunities. However, the government has appealed to warring communities and landowners of 55,000 hectares acquired to propel the initiative to forgo violence.
The engagement was held between the state government and landlords of Iyemero, Esun, Odo-Oro, Itapaji, Ipao, Oke Ayedun, and Oke Ako Ekiti. They expressed their displeasure over the acquisition of their lands. The communities were led into the meeting by the Olu of Itapaji, Oba AbduKareem Adebanjo, Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Olufemi Aribisala, Onise of Odo-Oro, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin, and Elesun of Esun, Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin.
The Deputy Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, maintained that the initiative would bring rapid economic growth to the host communities in Ekiti North Senatorial district. Furthermore, the Ekiti State Technical Committee on Land Matters would visit the lands for boundary tracing, ensuring that each of the six towns knows its boundary.
The Deputy Governor’s statement revealed that the host communities would benefit most from the proposed initiative in terms of employment and business development. It would also help curtail the increasing incidence of kidnappings that were rampant in the area. She appealed to the communities to allow peace to reign and permit the boundary commission to do the demarcation, ensuring that there is peace. The government’s goal is to increase food production, create wealth and jobs for the people through commercial farming.
In their feedback, the monarchs urged the government to adhere strictly to processes guiding the acquisition of lands. They also called for the government to stop indiscriminate land clearing in the area. They pointed out that land acquisition by the Government for Agbeyewa Agribusiness Firm was shoddily done and that it should be corrected. They emphasized that community engagement, notification to farmers, and compensating for crops destroyed were essential issues to consider.
The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Michael Ogungbemi, urged the monarchs to ensure nobody takes the law into their hands over the matter in their domains. Pending the resolution of the disagreement over the land issue, people should maintain peace.
The proposed Agricultural Processing Zone in Ekiti State is poised to advance the availability of food products, generate employment opportunities, and create wealth for the people. The Government’s appeal for peace and adequate demarcation of boundaries should be taken seriously by the host communities.
