In a strategic meeting with Heads of Development Agencies at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Governor Oyebanji expressed the desire for partnership and collaboration to accelerate Ekiti State’s development goals through mutual cooperation and resource sharing. The World Bank Country Director, Ndiame Dipo, announced that the international bank had committed over $200mn to Ekiti State, with $60m already disbursed in critical aspects of the state’s development. A new airport would soon be ready in the state, and the funds were directed at eight different projects.

Oyebanji emphasized that Ekiti State was not looking for help but rather for partnership and collaboration that would accelerate growth and development. He positioned his administration as reform-minded, transparent, and accountable to build trust with stakeholders and ensure effective implementation of development initiatives. He called development partners to consider Ekiti State as their next investment destination and take advantage of the numerous opportunities and advantages in the state.

The governor highlighted efforts by his administration to improve the Ease of Doing Business in the state, including the establishment of a small claims court, streamlining of business permits, enforcement of contracts, aligning tax policy to remove double taxation, and enhanced security. Access to the state was being improved with investment in road infrastructure. Ado Ekiti airport would be ready for commercial operation before the end of the year, and officials of the NCAA and FAAN were currently in the state for certification for commercial operation. Commercial flights would become operative at the airport before the end of the year.

The airport project aims to aid economic development and growth in the state through access to local and international markets. The director also noted that more project opportunities would soon come to the state in critical sectors such as irrigation, hydropower, agriculture, health, and education.