Ekiti @ 30: Oyebanji Seeks Innovation-Driven Growth, Private Sector Investment

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has unveiled a 30-year vision aimed at positioning the state as a global hub for the knowledge economy, with technology, culture, tourism and innovation identified as key drivers of sustainable growth. Speaking at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, held as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation, Oyebanji said Ekiti must move beyond reliance on certificates and focus on transforming knowledge and skills into economic value. He said the state’s development by 2056 would require innovation, enterprise, competence and stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, cooperatives, development institutions and the diaspora. The governor also envisioned a modern agricultural sector with a complete value chain covering production, processing, packaging, logistics and export.

Oyebanji urged young people to take an active role in shaping Ekiti’s future by acquiring useful skills, embracing technology and developing solutions to problems within their communities. He identified the state’s waterfalls, warm springs, historic sites, festivals, cuisine, music and artistic traditions as economic assets capable of creating jobs and attracting investment. The governor also called for improved infrastructure, reliable electricity, accessible healthcare and education that delivers practical value to citizens. Lead speaker at the summit, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, similarly stressed the need to connect education with skills, enterprise and innovation, while traditional rulers including the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, and Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, called for collective efforts to preserve the state’s unity, values and identity. The summit also featured an essay competition, with young Ekiti residents presenting ideas for the state’s development over the next 30 years.

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