By John Silas
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Biodun Oyebanji for sustaining and advancing the vision behind the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), describing the project as one with the potential to become Nigeria’s leading hub for innovation, research, skills development and job creation.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone at Ago-Araromi in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described Ekiti as the home of scholars and said the EKZ, as a state-driven investment initiative, has the capacity to unlock the potential of talented Nigerians and position them for global relevance.
He noted that education remains the greatest heritage of the Ekiti people and praised Governor Oyebanji for demonstrating visionary leadership through strategic partnerships withp key stakeholders in the development of the state.
Describing the project as a landmark initiative, the President said it aligns with the development model that transformed countries such as Singapore through investments in education, innovation and technology.
He assured the state government of the Federal Government’s support in ensuring the success of the project.
“Under the Tinubu administration, we are steadily moving from dependency to sustainability and self-sufficiency. We are committed to promoting research, innovation and technological development as pathways to creating jobs for our teeming youth population.
“We remain focused on this objective, and I commend Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his leadership and initiative,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji said the Ekiti Knowledge Zone was conceived to harness the intellectual and creative potential of Ekiti people and position the state as a global centre for innovation, research, skills development and human capital advancement.
He recalled that the project was initiated on August 12, 2013, during the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, with the objective of building a knowledge-based economy for the state.
Oyebanji said his administration chose to continue the project in line with its commitment to policy continuity and its broader agenda of investing in technology, industrialisation, healthcare, science, research and innovation.
“This project forms part of our 30-year development plan aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Ekiti State. We are delighted that we have secured an $80 million funding package through the Federal Government and the African Development Bank. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the AfDB for making this possible,” he said.
The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is expected to serve as a major catalyst for economic growth and position the state as a leading destination for technology-driven investment and innovation in Nigeria and across Africa.
