Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector in order to accelerate economic growth and promote sustainable development.
Oyebanji announced this yesterday during a meeting with the Managing Director/CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Olusegun Alebiosu, and his management team in Ado-Ekiti.
Oyebanji underscored his administration’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for investors and development partners.
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He emphasised that the government alone cannot fulfil the state’s economic development needs and highlighted the private sector’s crucial role in unlocking Ekiti’s potential.
According to the governor, his administration is focusing on agriculture and innovation as key sectors for private investment to accelerate growth, create jobs, and alleviate poverty.
“The pathway to prosperity is productivity, and if the people are not productive, they cannot prosper,” Oyebanji stated.
“We recognise that the government does not have the capacity to engage everybody, so there is a need to partner with critical private sector players to create an ecosystem where people can be productively engaged.”
The governor also noted that his administration has strengthened the state’s security architecture, asserting that Ekiti is safe for business.
He urged First Bank to consider opening additional branches in various parts of the state to boost local economies.
Alebiosu, an indigene of the state, commended Oyebanji’s administration for its economic initiatives, particularly the revitalisation of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort.
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He stressed the importance of expanding the state’s industrial base to encourage local production and enhance revenue generation.
Assuring the governor of First Bank’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth, Alebiosu pledged the institution’s collaboration and financial support for key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and small-scale enterprises.
