Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards providing the enabling environment to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by youths in the state.
Oyebanji who explained that the state has the potential to be the leading light in innovation, added that his government in the last two years has initiated programs that would help the youths to discover themselves, especially in the technology space.
The governor stated this while declaring open the three-day 2024 Ekiti Innovation Summit and Festival in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, said the government was targeting a situation whereby a brighter future for the younger generation would be guaranteed, through creative and other innovation ways.
He said, “As we are gathered here today, we acknowledge the tremendous potential of our youths, who are the driving force behind the Ekiti’s innovation ecosystem.
“This has reinforced the commitment of the present administration to providing the necessary support, resources, and Infrastructure needed, to enable them thrive, in the digital era.
“To this end, I wish to implore stakeholders and beneficiaries of this innovation summit and festival to foster meaningful and beneficial connections that would be impactful. We also expect the dissection of key challenges and opportunities in Ekiti State’s innovation ecosystem and how these opportunities can be harnessed.
“Together, I firmly believe that we can shape an Ekiti that leads in innovation, stands as an example of growth and opportunity across Nigeria, and contributes to the nation’s economic development.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade, said the summit became necessary to foster innovation and ensure the sustainable development of the state.
He added that through the dedication of the governor, the state’s technology hub was increased from the initial two to four centers in the state capital.
The Commissioner said, “Ekiti is the only state in the country as of today, that has a federal government approved special economic zone that focuses solely on innovation and services.
“We are not just thinking about the future, we are building it here in Ekiti by establishing the Ekiti knowledge zone(EKZ) which is a $95 million AfDB-backed initiative.
“This project is set to transform our state into a hub of technological innovation and knowledge economy. It is a beacon of hope for our youths, it is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.”
Fakuade said at the end of the summit actionable plans and recommendations would be made towards growth of the state’s innovation ecosystem.
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