Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for increased collaboration and partnership with local and international development agencies to drive the state’s economic development. Speaking at a strategic meeting with Heads of Development Agencies at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Oyebanji emphasized the need for mutual cooperation and resource sharing to accelerate the state’s development goals.
The World Bank Country Director, Ndiame Dipo, announced that the international bank has committed over $200 million to Ekiti State, with $60 million already disbursed for various projects. The funds are directed at eight different projects, and the World Bank country director urged for more effective collaboration from the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure the success of the projects.
Governor Oyebanji reiterated that Ekiti State is not seeking help but rather partnership and collaboration to accelerate growth and development. He highlighted his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, emphasizing that the state is open for business and eager to partner with investors who share the state’s vision of sustainable growth and development.
The governor also showcased his administration’s efforts to improve the Ease of Doing Business in the state, including the establishment of a small claims court, streamlining of business permits, enforcement of contracts, aligning tax policy to remove double taxation, and enhanced security, among others. He also revealed that access to the state is being improved with investment in road infrastructure and that the Ado Ekiti airport would be ready for commercial operation before the end of the year.
The World Bank country director commended the state’s good track record of implementation of the bank’s projects and announced that more project opportunities would soon come to the state in critical sectors such as irrigation, hydropower, agriculture, health, and education, among others.
