Ekiti govt engages host communities on multi-million knowledge zone project
The Ekiti State Government has begun consultations with host communities affected by the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project as part of efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the state.
The Ekiti State Government has begun consultations with host communities affected by the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project as part of efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the state.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that residents of communities around the project site are adequately informed about the scope, benefits and possible impacts of the technology and innovation hub being developed along the Ado-Ekiti–Ijan axis.
The engagement programme, held at Ago Araromi along Ijan Road, brought together community leaders, professionals and other stakeholders to deliberate on the implementation of the project and its social and environmental considerations.
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Speaking at the forum, the lead resource person, Engr. Abiodun Kehinde, who is a Social Safeguard Consultant, briefed participants on possible social and environmental concerns associated with the project.
He identified land acquisition, labour influx, community security, gender-based violence and child protection as key areas requiring proactive management during project execution.
Kehinde said community participation was critical to the success of projects supported by international development partners such as the African Development Bank.
He stressed that host communities must be carried along to minimise conflicts and ensure smooth implementation of the development initiative.
He explained that stakeholders were sensitised on their roles in promoting awareness, supporting project activities, monitoring compliance and discouraging social vices that could undermine the objectives of the project.
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The consultant compared the proposed Knowledge Zone to global technology and economic clusters, expressing optimism that the project would stimulate industrialisation, attract investment and create employment opportunities in Ekiti State.
Facilitators also highlighted the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978, which vests land ownership in government while requiring developers to obtain necessary approvals from relevant planning authorities before commencing construction.
A three-tier Grievance Redress Mechanism was presented to provide structured channels for handling complaints at the community, local government and state levels.
Participants at the forum expressed satisfaction with the initiative.
One of them, Joshua Adeyemi described the engagement as enlightening, saying it had equipped resident with knowledge on how to support contractors and guide community members during the construction phase.
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.
