BREAKING NEWS: Oyebanji Unveils 30-Year Vision to Make Ekiti a Global Knowledge Economy Hub

 

Oyebanji Unveils 30-Year Vision to Make Ekiti a Global Knowledge Economy Hub

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has unveiled an ambitious 30-year development vision aimed at transforming Ekiti into a globally recognised hub for the knowledge economy, with technology, culture and tourism positioned as major drivers of sustainable growth.

Speaking at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit in Ado Ekiti, the governor said the state must look beyond its achievements of the past three decades and begin laying the foundation for an economy capable of competing effectively in a rapidly changing global environment.

The summit was organised as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State and brought together young people, policymakers, professionals and other stakeholders to deliberate on the future direction of the state.

Ekiti's Vision for 2056

Oyebanji said his administration was committed to developing a long-term strategy that would reposition Ekiti by 2056, stressing that innovation, competence, entrepreneurship and the ability to convert knowledge into economic value would be central to the state's future.

According to the governor, the next 30 years should be defined by deliberate investments in human capital, technology, enterprise and industries capable of creating employment opportunities and improving the standard of living of residents.

He noted that the world was changing rapidly and that Ekiti could not afford to rely solely on traditional approaches to economic development.

Oyebanji emphasised that academic qualifications, while important, were no longer sufficient to build competitive industries, create sustainable jobs, modernise agriculture or establish a strong tourism sector.

Instead, he said, the state needed an economy driven by innovation, practical skills, creativity and the ability to turn knowledge into measurable economic value.

Technology, Culture and Tourism as Growth Engines

The governor identified technology, culture and tourism as critical sectors that could help drive Ekiti's economic transformation over the coming decades.

He stressed the need to create an environment where young people could develop ideas, establish businesses and contribute to the state's economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.

With Ekiti's cultural heritage and tourism potential, Oyebanji also highlighted the importance of developing the state's attractions and creative industries as part of a broader strategy to generate revenue, create jobs and attract investment.

He said the state's future prosperity would depend largely on how effectively it could harness the talents, ideas and entrepreneurial energy of its people.

Governor Challenges Young People

Oyebanji used the occasion to challenge the younger generation to take an active role in shaping the future of Ekiti rather than simply celebrating the accomplishments of previous generations.

He urged young people and other stakeholders to pursue ideas and innovations that could leave a lasting impact on the state.

The governor challenged them to ensure that future generations would remember them not only for celebrating Ekiti's achievements but also for planting the seeds of a new era of development and prosperity.

His message placed young people at the centre of the state's long-term development agenda, particularly at a time when technology and innovation are increasingly shaping economies around the world.

A Moment to Reflect and Plan Ahead

The governor described Ekiti's 30th anniversary as more than a celebration, saying it should serve as an opportunity for the people to reflect on the state's journey and determine the direction they want it to take in the years ahead.

According to him, the anniversary provides an important moment to examine where Ekiti started, assess its current position and collectively establish a clear vision for the kind of state that should be handed over to future generations.

The Ekiti at 30 Future Summit was therefore designed to encourage conversations about the state's future while giving young people and other stakeholders an opportunity to contribute ideas that could influence government policies and development programmes.

Building the Ekiti of the Future

The governor's 30-year vision represents a call for long-term thinking, with the state seeking to move from celebrating its history to actively shaping its future.

For Oyebanji, the Ekiti of 2056 must be a state where knowledge is converted into economic opportunities, technology drives productivity, young people have the skills to compete globally, and culture and tourism contribute significantly to prosperity.

As Ekiti marks three decades of existence, the focus is now shifting towards what can be achieved in the next 30 years.

The success of that vision, however, will depend on sustained investment, effective policies, collaboration between government and citizens, and the ability to turn ambitious ideas into practical results.

For the governor, the message is clear: Ekiti's next chapter must be built not only on the achievements of its past, but on innovation, enterprise and a bold vision for the future.