The Citizens' Watch

Our Assessment

The promise is rated partially completed because significant foundational steps were taken, but the project was not fully delivered before Governor Fayemi left office in October 2022. The administration successfully initiated the project (compensation, flag-off, initial funding) but did not complete the physical construction or operational launch. Therefore, it is partially completed.

Why It Matters

The promise matters because the Knowledge Zone aims to transform Ekiti into a tech-driven economy, creating jobs and retaining local talent. It shifts the state from civil-service dependency to innovation, attracting investment and positioning Ekiti as Nigeria’s hub for research and business process outsourcing.

Governor Fayemi took significant steps to revive the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, originally envisioned during his first term (2010–2014). On October 28, 2021, he flagged off the project, turning the sod on a 1,000-hectare site along Ijan-Ekiti road in the company of CCECC’s Chairman. The zone was designed to include a Knowledge Park, agribusiness park, technology hub, outsourcing vehicle, and light industrial area.

To ensure fairness, the government compensated landowners and farmers whose property was acquired for the project. In November 2021, additional cheques were presented to claimants, with Governor Fayemi, represented by his Chief of Staff, stating that his administration would not trample on citizens’ rights. He also announced a $250,000 grant from the African Development Bank to conduct a full feasibility study, with plans to name an anchor investor before the end of 2021.

My Administration Will Resuscitate The Ekiti Knowledge Zone

Progress So Far

Fayemi Flags off the Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project

My Administration Will Resuscitate The Ekiti Knowledge Zone

Progress So Far

Fayemi Flags off the Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project

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