Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating more than 26,000 jobs and injecting over $14 million into the state’s economy every year through the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project.
Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop in Ikogosi—represented by his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo—the governor said the EKZ was designed to position Ekiti for global technological opportunities. He described the workshop as an important platform to strengthen collaboration, build trust, and ensure the project succeeds.
He noted that Ekiti’s prosperity lies in the creativity and intelligence of its people, saying the Knowledge Zone will serve as a hub where government, private sector, innovators, and academia work together to solve problems and create opportunities.
Oyebanji emphasised that his vision is for young people in Ekiti to work for global companies without leaving their communities. He assured that the government will continue to create the environment needed to make the entire state a model of progress.
He urged all participants to fully engage and align with the shared goal, especially as the world rapidly advances with data, AI, and digital innovation.
Special Adviser on Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr. Moyo Ekundayo, encouraged a greater push toward building software and technology solutions that address real-life problems, stressing that value creation is more important than certificates.
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The EKZ Project Coordinator, Lolade Olutola, said the workshop marks a major step in Ekiti’s journey toward becoming a leading innovation and research hub. She commended the governor for his commitment.
Chairman of the EKZ Steering Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Akinwumi, highlighted the global success of knowledge zones, citing California as an example. He encouraged Ekiti indigenes in the diaspora to invest back home for greater impact.
The workshop follows the state’s recent payment of ₦1.45 billion in compensation to 195 landowners across the communities hosting the EKZ project.
Governor Oyebanji had earlier described the project as a cornerstone initiative backed by the African Development Bank, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and supported by key infrastructure like the Ekiti Cargo Airport and Ring Road.
Project Coordinator Olutola added that the Knowledge Zone will empower young people, support families, and build Ekiti’s future through innovation and creativity.
