Ekiti @ 30: Oyebanji Calls for Collective Efforts to Shape State’s Future

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for collective efforts among citizens and stakeholders to shape the state’s future as it marks 30 years of creation.

Oyebanji made the call on Wednesday at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit in Ado-Ekiti, organised as part of activities marking the anniversary of the state’s creation on October 1, 1996.

The governor said the 30th anniversary provided an opportunity for the people to reflect on the state’s journey, assess its present condition and collectively determine the kind of Ekiti they want to leave for future generations.

He unveiled a 30-year vision aimed at repositioning Ekiti as a major hub for the knowledge economy, with technology, culture and tourism identified as key drivers of sustainable growth.

According to him, the state must move beyond an economy driven largely by certificates and focus on innovation, competence, enterprise and the ability to turn knowledge into economic value.

Oyebanji said agriculture should become a modern and profitable sector, supported by a complete value chain covering production, processing, packaging, logistics and export.

He also envisioned an Ekiti where young people could build careers in software development, digital creation, research, engineering and technology entrepreneurship while contributing to the growth of their communities.

The governor stressed that government could not remain the sole employer of labour, urging the private sector, cooperatives, development institutions and citizens in the diaspora to become active partners in building the state’s economy.

He also identified Ekiti’s waterfalls, warm springs, historic sites, festivals, cuisine, music and artistic traditions as economic assets capable of generating employment and attracting investment.

Oyebanji challenged young people to take greater responsibility for the state’s future by acquiring useful skills, embracing technology, identifying problems and developing practical solutions.

He said development should ultimately improve the lives of ordinary citizens, noting that infrastructure, electricity, education, agriculture and healthcare must translate into better economic opportunities and living conditions.

The governor also paid tribute to the founding fathers and mothers of Ekiti State, traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, civil servants, journalists, women’s organisations and youth groups for their contributions to the state’s development.

The summit forms part of wider anniversary activities focused on reflecting on Ekiti’s 30-year journey and developing ideas for its next three decades.