Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged strong support for innovation and entrepreneurship as a means to enhance the state’s values and ensure a prosperous future for its citizens. Speaking at the three-day Ekiti Innovation Summit held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Ado Ekiti, the governor highlighted his administration’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to make this vision a reality.

Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Oyebanji celebrated the progress made in nurturing a culture of innovation in Ekiti. He emphasized the importance of empowering the youth, who he described as the driving force behind the state’s innovation ecosystem. “This reinforces our commitment to providing the necessary support, resources, and infrastructure for them to thrive in the digital era,” he stated.

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With initiatives such as the Ekiti Startup Garage, the governor noted that the state is advancing towards a technology-driven economy that aims to tackle both local and global challenges. “Our vision for Ekiti State is clear: to position it as a beacon of innovation, contributing to Nigeria’s economic development and enhancing the prosperity of our people,” Oyebanji said. He expressed pride in the many young innovators present at the summit, who he believes represent the state’s bright future.

Mr. Oluwaseun Fakuade, Ekiti State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, echoed Oyebanji’s sentiments, noting that the summit’s purpose was to “unleash the giants and the geniuses within our people and create a brighter future.” Fakuade praised the establishment of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, a $95 million initiative backed by the African Development Bank (AFDB), which aims to transform the state into a hub for digital innovation and a knowledge economy.

The commissioner encouraged discussions at the summit to inspire youth to learn, grow, and acquire skills necessary for their journey toward becoming key players in the state’s economic landscape. He urged all participants to take the summit seriously, emphasizing the importance of seizing the opportunities that innovation and entrepreneurship present for Ekiti’s development.