Ekiti Govt Laise World Bank To Commits $200m To state Development

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has sought for an increased collaboration and partnership with both local and international development agencies to ensure all round development of the state’s economy.

Governor Oyebanji, who made the request on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with Heads of Development Agencies at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, said with the right partnership and collaboration, the state’s development goals could be significantly accelerated through mutual cooperation and resources sharing.

Governor Oyebanji spoke just as the World Bank said it had committed over $200 million to Ekiti State, out of which $60 million has been disbursed so far in some critical aspects of the state’s development.

The World Bank Country Director, Dr Ndiame Diop who disclosed this during the Governor’s engagement, said the funds are directed at eight different projects. He called for more effective collaboration from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure success of the projects.

Governor Oyebanji had set the tone for the day’s discussion in his opening address, where he emphasized the fact that Ekiti State was not looking for help. Rather , he said what the state government wants is partnership and collaboration that would accelerate growth and development.

Oyebanji said that his administration has positioned itself as reform-minded, transparent and accountable to build trust with stakeholders and ensure that development initiatives are effectively implemented. He said his administration is determined to harness and explore collaborations and gather necessary support and resources to drive development in the critical areas of the state economy which include infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education, among others.

Highlighting numerous reforms by his administration to create a conducive atmosphere for investment, the Governor emphasized the Ekiti’s top position in transparency index and its recognition as the safest state in the country has made it an ideal environment for business operations.

He said his administration is intentional in its efforts towards achieving the state’s 30 years development plan through partnership and collaboration with national and international development partners.

While calling the development partners to consider Ekiti State as their next investment destination and take advantage of the numerous opportunities and advantages in the state, Governor Oyebanji said the state is open for business and eager to partner with investors who shared the state’s vision of sustainabile growth and development.

He said “We are government that is reform minded, transparent, we are accountable and am leading a team that is competent and committed to the mandate of this administration.

“Everything we are doing in Ekiti is already planned for. We know the track we are following, we know the step we have taken and we are trying our best within the available resources to as a state, but we know that we have the capacity and ability to do more and that is why we have invited you here today to say, please handhold us in areas where your institutions can partner and collaborate with us. Let us work together so that we can deliver good governance to the people of Ekiti State.