Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration in Ekiti State has successfully secured funding exceeding $200 million from the World Bank to drive comprehensive economic development.
This development was disclosed by the World Bank’s Country Director, Dr. Ndiame Diop, during an official meeting with Governor Oyebanji.
Dr. Diop revealed that a substantial portion of the funds, amounting to $60 million, has already been allocated to crucial projects aimed at advancing the state’s development. The funds are designated for eight distinct projects, highlighting the importance of enhanced collaboration among various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.
Governor Oyebanji, speaking at a strategic gathering with Heads of Development Agencies at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, expressed his commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with both local and international development organizations to drive holistic economic growth in the state. He emphasized that effective partnerships and collaboration are essential to expedite the state’s development objectives through cooperation and resource sharing.
Oyebanji further underscored Ekiti State’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and reform-oriented governance to cultivate trust among stakeholders and ensure the efficient execution of development projects. He reiterated his administration’s resolve to leverage collaborations, garner essential support, and mobilize resources to propel progress in key sectors of the state’s economy, including infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Highlighting a series of reforms implemented by his government, Governor Oyebanji pointed out Ekiti’s leading role in transparency rankings and its status as the most secure state in the nation, making it an attractive setting for commercial activities. He mentioned that his government is deliberate in its approach to fulfilling the state’s 30-year development strategy through cooperation and partnership with both national and international development allies.
While urging development partners to view Ekiti State as a prime investment target, Oyebanji emphasized the state’s receptiveness to business ventures and its eagerness to collaborate with investors aligned with the state’s goal of achieving sustainable growth and development.
“We are a government that is reform-minded, transparent, and accountable. I’m leading a team that is competent and committed to the mandate of this administration,” Governor Oyebanji stated.
“We know the track we are following and the steps we have taken. We are doing our best within the available resources, but we know we have the capacity to do more. That is why we have invited you here today to say, please handhold us in areas where your institutions can partner and collaborate with us. Let us work together to deliver good governance to the people of Ekiti State.”
He also detailed the measures taken by his government to improve the ease of doing business in the state, including setting up a small claims court, simplifying the process of obtaining business permits, ensuring contract enforcement, adjusting tax laws to eliminate double taxation, and enhancing safety measures.
On the state’s infrastructure, Governor Oyebanji disclosed that the Ado Ekiti airport is set to start commercial operations by the end of the year, with the certification process by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) currently underway. He explained that the airport project is designed to support the state’s economic development and expansion by providing access to both local and global markets.
The event also saw the participation of leaders and representatives from various international development organizations, including the British High Commission, United States African Development Foundation (USADF), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Belgium Embassy, Japan Embassy, and UNiDOC, among others. These representatives reinforced their commitment to the state and praised the governor’s consistent involvement.
The State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning, and Performance Management, Niyi Adebayo, outlined the state’s competitive strengths and collaboration needs in his presentation. The Director General, Office of Development Partnerships, Biodun Oyeleye, provided an overview of the Biodun Oyebanji Administration’s six-pillar development strategy, highlighting each agenda to ten development agencies.
The event featured members of the State Executive Council, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Country Directors, and representatives from International Organizations and Countries, emphasizing the collaborative effort to drive Ekiti State’s development forward.
