Ekiti assembly mulls legislative framework to attract investors

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye has reiterated the commitment of members to attract local and foreign investors to the state with an effective legislative framework.

Aribasoye who spoke during a retreat organized by the House in collaboration with Cavista Holdings at Ikogosi-Ekiti, said there was the need for stakeholders to come together with innovative ideas towards the socio-economic development of the state.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the speaker, Babajide Agbeyo, at the retreat key players underscored the imperatives of economic advancements highlighting the theme of the event; “Enhancing Socio-Economic Development of Ekiti State through the Private Sector and Foreign Direct Investment; The Roles of the Legislature.”

The retreat had in attendance the speakers of Ondo, Osun and Oyo states Houses of Assembly from the southwest conference of speakers, Ekiti assembly lawmakers, the US consulate team, business stakeholders and top political figures including former governor Kayode Fayemi among others.

The well-attended retreat brought out the US Consulate Chargé d’Affaires, David Greene to Ekiti State on his first-ever outing outside the FCT.

Aribasoye emphasised the need for optimised legislative support to attract foreign investments and foster strategic partnerships of legislative framework.

He defined what could be the nexus between legislation and business development promising that the Ekiti State legislature will reflect and effect the gains of the retreat.

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He said, “This critical gathering reflects our commitment to exploring innovative ways to bolster Ekiti State’s development through strategic partnerships and legislative frameworks.

“Today, our focus rests on how the Ekiti State House of Assembly, through forward-thinking legislation, can create an enabling environment to attract private investment and foster foreign direct investment within our beloved state ”

The US Consular General to Nigeria, Will Stevens highlighted the need for governments in Nigeria to step up on ICT and ensure an investor-friendly environment is put in place to encourage foreign investments.

Promising that the US would make more investments in Africa, Stevens described Nigeria as United State’s biggest training partner in economy.

The founder of Cavista holdings, John Olajide maintained that government at all levels in Nigeria must heighten their commitment to match with the zeal of investors.

According to him, cavista has job creation coupled with a taste and thirst for outstanding tourism and agriculture development as its priorities for investing in Ekiti state.

“When we are marketing our businesses to attract patrons or recruit talent, the two most pressing concerns are accessibility and security. The road network needs to be vastly improved, there must be a palpable sense of security and we look forward to the completion of the airport to open up our state.

The state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Habibat Adubiaro described the retreat as historic promising continued support to the vision of the Ekiti assembly.

One of the key resource persons and former governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi noted that the creation of a good political environment in recent years in Ekiti state helped a great deal in the aspect of foreign direct investment.

Fayemi said, “Insecurity is not necessarily a disincentive to foreign investments. Policy inconsistency, low vision and drive, tense political environment and other situations combine with insecurity to create a major problem to grapple with.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE