Ekiti Knowledge Zone

The Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) Project Implementation Unit successfully held its maiden Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop from Tuesday, 9th to Wednesday, 10th December 2025 at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center, Ikogosi-Ekiti. #WhereInnovationThrives 1/7

The Ekiti State Government has launched a two-day Livelihood Restoration Training program for 97 vulnerable Project Affected Persons (PAPs) whose lands were acquired for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) Project. This initiative follows the disbursement of ₦1.4 billion in compensation to the affected individuals in June 2025, as part of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The training targets particularly vulnerable groups, including tenant farmers, hunters, women involved in oil palm processing and petty trading, and others displaced or impacted by the land acquisition. The RAP implementation Consultant, Dr. Oliver Nwuju, described the program as a vital step to build resilience and create sustainable income opportunities for affected households. The training focuses on enhancing existing livelihoods, boosting financial literacy, encouraging cooperative formation, and connecting beneficiaries to new economic prospects within the EKZ ecosystem. It aims to equip participants with skills and resources to adapt to the changes brought by the project and secure long-term benefits. Project Coordinator Ms. Lolade Olutola (represented by Environmental Safeguards Expert Mr. Ayodele Aluko) emphasized the state government's commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and adherence to the Local Content Law. She assured PAPs that qualified community members—including farmers, hunters, and oil palm processors—will have access to direct and indirect employment opportunities, periodic stipends, and ongoing livelihood support. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is positioned as a major flagship project to establish the state as a hub for innovation, research, technology, and enterprise, expected to attract private investment, generate thousands of jobs, stimulate local businesses, and drive the transition to a knowledge-based economy while prioritizing social safeguards and community benefits.

stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development as it progresses towards creating a world-class knowledge hub in Ekiti State. When completed, the EKZ aims to generate high-value jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce youth unemployment in Ekiti State.

The training was facilitated by Engr. Abiodun Kehinde, MNSE, R.Eng., whose expertise and engaging delivery provided clarity and direction for community stakeholders. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project continues to demonstrate its commitment to transparency,

The Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project Implementation Unit organized a 2-day training for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) to strengthen inclusive participation and sustainable project implementation. #EkitiKnowledgeZone

The Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) Project Implementation Unit and the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) recently embarked on a strategic tour of selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Ekiti State.

innovation and entrepreneurship that meaningfully contribute to local economic development.

for his unwavering support toward the growth and development of the University and its wider community. This collaboration reflects a shared vision of positioning BOUESTI and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Ekiti State as hubs for research-driven..

Yesterday, the Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project Implementation Unit (PIU), led by the Project Coordinator, Ms. Lolade Olutola, attended the opening ceremony of the capacity-building training programme organized by the Centre for Research and Development (CERAD)..

The visionary leadership of H.E. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has been instrumental in driving the project forward, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to innovation-led development, sustainable economic transformation, and long-term prosperity for the state.

entrepreneurship, and technology-driven development in Ekiti State. The EKZ is a flagship project of the Ekiti State Government designed to position the state as a leading hub for digital innovation, knowledge-based enterprise, and technology-driven investment in Nigeria.