Ekiti knowledge zone is a catalyst for devt, prosperity — Gov. Oyebanji
By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed the transformative potential of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), describing it as a landmark project that will redefine the state’s economic and industrial landscape, drive sustainable development, and create shared prosperity.
Governor Oyebanji made this assertion on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB), led by Chief Development Economist Ms. Rosemond Offei-Awuku, and a team from the Federal Ministry of Finance, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Oyebola Akande, who were on a supervisory mission to the Ekiti Knowledge Zone.
Emphasising the Zone’s foundation on the intellectual and educational strengths of the Ekiti people, the Governor said the EKZ is strategically positioned to attract investment and become a hub for knowledge-based enterprises in Nigeria.
According to him, the core objective of the EKZ project is to harness the state’s intellectual capital to drive industrial growth, generate employment opportunities, and foster economic empowerment.
He noted that since Ekiti is widely regarded as the most educated state in the country, this reputation should translate into tangible prosperity and industrial advancement.
Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence in the EKZ’s capacity to stimulate economic activity and position Ekiti as a knowledge-driven economy.
He said the project aligns with global trends where innovation and intellectual capacity are key drivers of industrialization and wealth creation.
While assuring both the African Development Bank and the Federal Government of his administration’s continued commitment to the successful delivery of the project, Governor Oyebanji emphasized his government’s determination to ensure that the project achieves its full potential, ultimately making Ekiti a model for knowledge-based development in Nigeria.
The Governor also appealed to the AfDB to review its procurement approach, suggesting a shift from the current focus on the lowest bidder to a more balanced system that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and long-term value, including the ability to deliver on cost, value, and time.
“Ekiti Knowledge Zone is one of the gains of continuity in governance. My predecessor started it, and we are building on that foundation because we believe Ekiti is the knowledge capital of the country,” Oyebanji said.
Earlier in her remarks, Ms. Rosemond Offei-Awuku, Chief Development Economist at the African Development Bank, expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the project. She commended the state government’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy, noting that the efforts align with AfDB’s vision for sustainable development and innovation-led growth.
Also speaking, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyebola Akande of the Federal Ministry of Finance praised the Governor’s visionary leadership in leveraging the state’s intellectual capital to create wealth and development.
She stated that once operational, the EKZ would enhance Ekiti’s status as a hub for innovation and significantly contribute to global advancements in technology, research, and education.
She assured the Governor of the Federal Government’s ongoing support to ensure the project achieves its objectives.
The visiting team, on a week-long supervisory mission, was joined at the meeting by members of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone.
