Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has presented a 30-year vision aimed at transforming the state into a global hub for the knowledge economy. The vision, unveiled at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit in Ado Ekiti, identifies technology, culture, and tourism as key drivers of future growth. Oyebanji emphasized the need for Ekiti to move beyond relying on certificates and focus on innovation, enterprise, and turning knowledge into economic value.
The summit, part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of Ekiti state's creation, brought together stakeholders to discuss the state's future. Oyebanji challenged young people to develop solutions to local problems using technology and acquired skills. He also highlighted the importance of a modern and profitable agricultural sector with a complete value chain, covering production, processing, packaging, logistics, and export.
According to Oyebanji, technology and intellectual capital are major assets for Ekiti's growth. He envisions the state producing software developers, digital creators, researchers, designers, engineers, and technology entrepreneurs who can compete globally while contributing to their communities. The governor also called for increased private-sector participation, noting that the government cannot be the sole employer of labor.
Oyebanji emphasized the need to create an environment where businesses can start, survive, and grow. He also identified tourism as another major source of economic opportunities, with Ekiti's natural resources and cultural heritage developed to create jobs across different sectors. The governor urged young people to take an active role in shaping the state's future by acquiring relevant skills, embracing technology, and turning ideas into practical solutions.
Lead speaker Dr. Tunji Olowolafe stressed the importance of connecting education with skills, enterprise, and innovation. He said Ekiti's development would depend on its ability to transform knowledge acquired through education into practical solutions that create jobs and reduce poverty. The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, and the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, also reflected on the struggles surrounding the creation of the state in 1996.
The traditional rulers commended the summit's focus on the future and called for a comprehensive development plan that would sustain Ekiti's growth while preserving its values, unity, and identity. The event also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of the Ekiti at 30 essay competition, themed "My Dream and Agenda for the Next 30 Years." Peace Ogunjemilua emerged as the first-prize winner, while Blessing Adelusi and Ayomide Lafiaji took second and third positions respectively.
Oyebanji said the 30th anniversary should serve not only as a time to celebrate the state's achievements but also as an opportunity to determine the kind of Ekiti future generations would inherit. The governor's 30-year vision aims to position Ekiti as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, with a focus on technology, culture, and tourism. The state's future development will depend on its ability to implement this vision and create opportunities for its citizens.
Key points
- Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji unveils 30-year vision to position state as global hub for knowledge economy
- Vision identifies technology, culture, and tourism as key drivers of future growth
- Governor challenges young people to develop solutions to local problems using technology and acquired skills
