Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Approves N2.6billion For ‘Clearing Of Land’ Ahead Of New Planting Season .

The Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved billons of Naira for clearing of 1200 hectares of land across the state.

Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Information disclosed this in a statement.

According to him, the approval of over N2.6billion was taken at the state executive meeting held on 29th of November and chaired by Governor Oyebanji.

“N264,800,000.00 (two hundred and sixty-four million, eight hundred thousand naira only) for land clearing to support youth in agriculture, the exercise will involve clearing of 200 hectares of land for some interested youths in Ado and Ekiti-West Local Governments, with both the State and the Local Governments splitting the cost evenly at the sum of N132,400,000.00 (one hundred and thirty two million, four hundred thousand naira only),” he said.

“In view of the need to plant crops before the end of the farming season, PIZZOS INTEGRATED SERVICE LIMITED was engaged directly for the job in line with Direct Procurement Method and expected to execute the contract within four week to facilitate planting of crop this year jointly monitored by Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

“Another N2,350,000,000.00 (two billion, three hundred and fifty million naira) for clearing of 1000 hectares of land to support Youth In Agriculture programme and specific communities/cooperatives for dry season farming to support youth in agriculture programme, an initiative designed to increase agricultural production, revolutionize and boost economic potential through youth engagement at various locations across the State.”

Critics have however argued that the project’s cost is excessive and unjustified, particularly considering the state’s financial constraints.

“Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji approved a total of N2.66 billion to clear farmland of less than 1,300 hectares and the media is not challenging this apparent magnitude of corruption?,” a resident who chose to be anonymous queried.