Governor Commits to Sustainable Development of Ekiti’s Special Agro-Processing Zone
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed the commitment to the sustainable development of the Ekiti Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ), promising proper utilization of the 40,000 hectares of farmlands in Ikole and Oye local government areas.
During a community engagement facilitated by the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) in Ikole Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the SAPZ would bring unprecedented development and prosperity to the host local government areas and Nigeria at large.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the concerned monarchs and citizens for their support, assuring that appropriate compensation would be given to the communities for the acquired land.
He highlighted the transformative potential of the SAPZ, stating that it would integrate production, processing, and marketing of agricultural commodities, thereby enhancing food security and creating wealth for rural farming communities in Ekiti State.
The assurance of sustainability was echoed by resource person, Gbolabo Osunsanmi, who emphasized that the SAPZ would boost food production, job opportunities, and revenue generation in the state.
Additionally, the State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utility, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, reiterated the administration’s dedication to achieving food security and making Ekiti State investment-friendly.
Monarchs present at the engagement expressed gratitude for the SAPZ initiative and urged the government to ensure adequate compensation for landholders while revitalizing abandoned agriculture settlements.
