Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to enhance the state’s values and ensure a prosperous future for its citizens. During the three-day Ekiti Innovation Summit held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Ado Ekiti, the governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, highlighted the importance of providing support and resources to empower the youth as they are vital to the state’s innovation ecosystem. His remarks underscored a commitment to harness the potential of young people in driving the state’s digital and entrepreneurial growth.
At the summit, Oyebanji celebrated the strides made in fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, emphasizing that Ekiti State is on a journey to shape a brighter future for its younger generations. He expressed confidence in the youth, describing them as vital agents of change and progress. The administration aims to furnish the necessary support, infrastructure, and resources to enable these young innovators to thrive in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Highlighting ambitious initiatives like the Ekiti Startup Garage, the governor stated that such platforms facilitate the transformation of innovative ideas into impactful solutions addressing both local and global challenges.
The vision articulated by Oyebanji portrayed an aspirational future for Ekiti State as a leader in innovation within Nigeria. He envisions the state being recognized nationally for its contributions to economic development while improving the livelihoods of its residents. The governor took pride in the youth present at the summit, viewing them as the embodiment of the future. By working together, he believes they can create an Ekiti that serves as a model of innovation, growth, and opportunity, ultimately benefiting the broader Nigerian economy.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr. Oluwaseun Fakuade, echoed the sentiment of fostering innovation through the summit. He described the summit’s goal as one of “unleashing the giants and geniuses” within the population, ensuring a path toward a brighter collective future. Fakuade introduced the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, a significant project backed by a $95 million African Development Bank investment. He characterized this initiative as crucial for transforming Ekiti into a digital innovation hub, aimed at creating jobs and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Fakuade emphasized the importance of the summit discussions focusing on inspiring and encouraging the youth to develop their skills and pursue entrepreneurial journeys. He urged participants to view the summit as a serious opportunity to evolve and potentially become the “unicorns” of Ekiti State—leading innovators capable of contributing significantly to the economic landscape. The vision promoted at the summit is rooted in empowering the local population to leverage the state’s assets and foster growth through technological advancement and digital skills development.
In conclusion, the Ekiti Innovation Summit represents a significant commitment from the state government to leverage the potential of youth and innovation for economic growth. With concrete initiatives like the Ekiti Startup Garage and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, the administration seeks to provide the necessary infrastructure and resources to support emerging entrepreneurs and innovators. As Governor Oyebanji and Commissioner Fakuade articulated, the future of Ekiti hinges on the collective efforts of its youth, positioning the state as a beacon of innovation and a critical player in Nigeria’s economic development narrative. The ongoing discussions and strategies stemming from the summit suggest a promising pathway toward realizing this vision, creating an environment where creativity and entrepreneurship can flourish.
