The Ekiti State Government and ENSHET Heights Global Ltd have signed a 30-year partnership agreement to establish economic tree and cassava value-chain projects within the Ogbese Forest Reserve.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will span from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2055, was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, on behalf of Ekiti, and Mr. Oladapo Olasope, Chairman of ENSHET Heights Global Ltd.

The agreement covers cultivating approved tree species, joint harvesting mature trees, and cassava processing initiatives. 

The Ekiti State Forestry Commission will carry out oversight at no cost to the government, and there will be provisions for arbitration in Ado-Ekiti in case of disputes.

Under the MoU, ENSHET Heights Global is prohibited from planting unlawful crops, including Indian hemp. 

Tree harvesting will only be carried out with permits issued by the Forestry Commission and confirmation from an independent valuer. Any unauthorised felling will be deemed a breach of the Forestry Laws.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, the Managing Director/CEO of ENSHET Heights Global Ltd, Dr. Tunmise Ayodele, highlighted the project’s potential to create over 1,000 direct jobs for Ekiti citizens, attract foreign direct investment, and stimulate the local economy.

He explained that the initiative would focus on developing, financing, cultivating, regenerating, processing and marketing cassava and its value-chain products, including cassava flour, starch, sorbitol and ethanol.

Ayodele added that the project would also support environmental sustainability by planting various exotic and indigenous tree species in the reserve.

With a review scheduled every five years, the partnership promises to strengthen Ekiti’s agroforestry sector and open up new economic opportunities for the state.

Source: The Nation

Image Credit: Ekiti News