The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, paid the sum of N300 million to 377 land owners, whose properties were acquired for the construction of the Ekiti State Agro Allied Cargo Airport in Ado Ekiti capital city.
Dispelling insinuation that the airport project was a misplaced priority, Oyebanji posited that the facility was intended to expand the state’s economy, open a new vista of economic opportunities, and investments as well as bolster industrial drives.
The Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, who represented Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti while disbursing cheques to land owners from Ijan, Igbemo, Afao, Iworoko and others.
She said the event marks the third and last tranche of compensation payments to individuals and families affected by the land acquisition for the realisation of the ambitious Ekiti State Cargo Airport facility.
The governor, however, advised those whose lands were acquired in the public interest and have not been compensated not to disturb contractors on sites, assuring that all their expectations shall be met to indemnify their losses.
He clarified further that the vision behind the airport was to build an infrastructure that would not only improve the state’s connectivity to national and international markets but would also serve as a gateway for agriculture, commerce, and tourism to fuel local businesses.
“The Ekiti State Cargo Airport Project was conceived not just as an infrastructural achievement but as a critical pillar in our mission to drive economic diversification, stimulate local industry, and create new opportunities for the people of Ekiti.
“We have a vision of an airport that will not only improve the state’s connectivity to national and international markets but also serve as a gateway for agriculture, commerce, and tourism, fueling local business growth and attracting investments that will benefit our communities”.
Oyebanji saluted the farmers and landowners for their sacrifices, commitments and patience, saying the payment of compensation was geared towards appreciating their patriotism to a lofty and common cause.
“The claimants we are honouring here today have demonstrated an inspiring commitment to the future of Ekiti, agreeing to adjust their lives for a greater good that will ultimately benefit every citizen of this state.
“To you, the landowners, I say: thank you for your patience and understanding. Today’s ceremony marks the disbursement of the third and final tranche of compensation to 377 claimants.
“Let this be a testament to our administration’s dedication to fulfilling its promises. We understand that the prompt and fair compensation of those affected is not only a legal obligation but a moral one. Our sacrifice and cooperation with this administration are deeply valued”, he said.
Oyebanji added that his government is focused on creating a propitious environment, where every Ekiti citizen can feel the positive impact of the airport facility, through increased business opportunities, job creation, and upward infrastructural improvements.
Addressing the claimants, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Geographic Information System, Lands and Survey, Prof. James Olaleye, said the compensation serves as indemnity against losses suffered by the land owners, which he said would help in putting a soothing balm on their pains.
“I hope those concerned will understand the genuine efforts of the present government to bring all their worries to the past. I hereby assure all the claimants who are being owed compensations for other project sites, that very soon, all their dues will be settled.
“Let me urge our people to refrain from disturbing ongoing projects through threats of violence and other acts that may hinder the peace of the state”, he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the benefitting communities, Chief Ojo Awe and Mr Olufemi Oso, commended the governor for being sympathetic to the plights of the land owners through expeditious payments of the pending compensation.
“On behalf of the nine communities that donated lands for the construction of the airport, we appreciate the governor. Though it was painful that we lost our property, we thank God that the airport project is gradually coming to fruition and it will become a gain to all of us in the future”, he said.