Ekiti State Government has compensated another set of land owners whose land were acquired for the.
Speaking at the presentation of cheques to the claimants in Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday, Governor Kayode Fayemi, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, explained that his administration would not trample on the rights of any citizen.
He added that the compensation being paid was in line with the government’s commitment to the welfare of the people.
The governor explained that Ekiti knowledge Zone is part of the five point agenda of making the state a knowledge economic base for the benefit of Ekiti people.
He recalled that the government had, last year, paid compensation to some farmers whose crops were affected by the on-going development in the knowledge zone with a promise that other claimants would equally be compensated.
“We are here today to put a smile on the faces of other claimants of the acquired land,” he added.
The governor commended the communities, families and individuals whose lands were acquired for the project for their exceptional contributions and understanding to the resolution of knotty issues on the land acquisition.
“I commend the communities, families and individuals whose lands were acquired for the project. you have shown patriotism to the development of our dear state and for this singular act, generations yet unborn will forever be grateful to you” He said.
He enjoined them to continue to support and cooperate with the state Government to be sure that the project which is capable of generating thousands of jobs for teeming unemployed youth is completed without hindrance.
“As we all know, it is only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony that meaningful development can take place. It is imperative therefore that you shun any act capable of disturbing the prevailing atmosphere of peace and harmony in the project site and state as a whole.”
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Governor enjoined the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money given to then by investing in profitable ventures that can yield and improve their wellbeing.
Also speaking at the cheque presentation, the Technical Adviser to the Governor, Ekiti State Knowledge Zone project, Hon. Femi Ajepe, said the project was not designed as a four-year project, but as one that would exist for as long as the Ekiti State exists.
Also, Director-General, Bureau of Land Services, Mrs Funke Falodun appealed to the beneficiaries to tell their people at home that they would also receive compensation, whenever development gets to their own portion of the land.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Imam of Ijan Ekiti, Alhaji Hammed Akingbade appreciated the state Government for keeping to her promises .”I am very happy that the Governor followed the word of God that doesn’t say what you will not do. Ijan people really appreciate what the Governor has done,” he added