The Ekiti State Government has entered into a 30-year agreement with ENSHET Heights Global to cultivate economic trees and process agricultural products on a 100-hectare area within the Ogbese Forest Reserve.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, and the Chairman of ENSHET Heights Global Limited, Mr. Oladapo Olasope. The arrangement is expected to run from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2055, with a clause for review every five years and possible renewal based on performance.
According to the agreement, ENSHET will be responsible for growing approved tree species only. The cultivation of illegal plants, including Indian hemp, is strictly prohibited. All operations will be monitored by the Ekiti State Forestry Commission at no cost to the state.
Tree harvesting will be done jointly by the company and state officials, with oversight from an independent valuer. Required permits must be issued before any trees can be removed. Violations, including harvesting without approval or attempting to bypass agreed profit-sharing terms, will be treated as breaches and addressed under relevant state forestry laws.
In addition to tree cultivation, the project will focus on large-scale cassava farming and processing. Dr. Tunmise Ayodele, the Managing Director of ENSHET Heights Global, explained that the project aims to produce cassava-based products such as flour, starch, ethanol and sorbitol.
Dr. Ayodele also noted that the venture is expected to create more than 1,000 direct jobs for residents of Ekiti State, adding that the initiative is designed to attract investment and support the local economy while incorporating a mix of local and exotic tree species to promote long-term environmental balance.
According to him, disputes arising from the agreement will be settled through arbitration within Ado-Ekiti as outlined in the terms of the partnership.
