From Jimoh Balogun
The Ekiti Governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji has said that his administration would build the state as a talent capital of Nigeria and ensure that it becomes an important knowledge innovation corridor.
Oyebanji said that with the AFDB credit of $80 million for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, plans to transform the State into an innovation hub is irrevocable, adding that he is ready to pursue the project to a logical end.
The Governor gave the assurance yesterday at the close of a 2-Day Ekiti State Innovation Summit in Ado-Ekiti, with the theme, “Innovate Ekiti: Kick-starting Ekiti State Innovation Pathway to Prosperity”.
The event brought together policymakers and entrepreneurs, among others, while scores of youths of diverse areas of interest were also in attendance.
According to him, government had set in motion, the State’s ambitious plans to establish a Knowledge Zone and a Creative Tech Village, thereby marking a significant stride towards nurturing homegrown innovation.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government,(SSG), Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Oyebanji explained that the summit was a pivotal platform for what he described as “the groundbreaking initiative”.
He emphasized his support for the initiatives, underscoring the government’s dedication to transforming the state into an innovation hub.
Also speaking at the event, highlighting the summit’s purpose, the State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade, said, “The gathering is not just a summit; it is the birth of Ekiti’s future”.
The Commissioner noted that the establishment of a Knowledge Zone, and a Creative Village in Ekiti, was a clear testament to the administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and technological advancement.
In his address, the Head of United Nations Development Programne, (UNDP), Lagos, Dr William Tsuma, highlighted the critical role of ensuring innovation solves the problems around multidimensional poverty in Nigeria.
“According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 63% of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor while 42% of young people are out of work. This means we cannot talk about innovation without solving real problems affecting everyday Nigerians.
