Ekiti Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has urged successful indigenous entrepreneurs and investors to team up with his administration in transforming the state socially and economically.
Fayemi made the appeal at the inauguration of a new ultra-modern hostel built for the students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Ekiti on Wednesday.
Reports state that the hostel named: “Victoria Manhattan Hostel’’, was built by Mr Goke Egunjobi, an indigene of the state and the project initiator.
Fayemi said that only a collective responsibility of stakeholders could ensure the growth, progress and socio-economic development of the state.
The governor, who commended Egunjobi for building the hostel in Ekiti, said that it would complement government’s efforts in tackling infrastructural challenges in the area.
According to him, the building fitted with modern facilities, will provide conducive accommodation for students of the institution.
“I am glad that I am here and particularly that our brother did not choose to build this structure in Lagos where he resides.
“He will have, probably, made more money if this hotel had been sited along Akoka: UNILAG student area.
“He has chosen to come here to also establish his own presence back home.
“If all of us who are successful outside Ekiti, plough back into our communities in Ekiti, because government cannot do it alone, we would have totally transformed our state even beyond the level it is now,’’ he said.
The governor lauded the institution’s contributions to the development of Oye-Ekiti community.
“That is why every Ekiti community wants government’s establishment because they know the multiplier effect of such an establishment.
“Having a state of the art hostel to be patronised by students in an affordable environment like this, Manhattan hall, is something we must celebrate,’’ Fayemi said.
Similarly, the initiator of the project, Mr Goke Egunjobi, called for more private sector investments in Ekiti.
He said that his intention to erect the hostel in Ekiti was born out of his desire to support government’s efforts at providing infrastructure for students in their school.
Egunjobi expressed his optimism that the hostel would provide the same comfort that students should enjoy back home.
“Such comfort will boost the academic performance of the students,’’ he added.
Earlier, Bishop Felix Ajakaye, the Chairman of the occasion, encouraged youths to think positively and be optimistic in every situation they found themselves.
According to him, like God they should be builders who see opportunities in every challenge rather than seeing challenges in every opportunity.