Ekiti State Governor Seeks US Partnership for Economic Development

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reached out to the United States for support and collaboration in developing critical economic sectors to advance his administration’s shared prosperity agenda.

During a meeting with a team from the American Embassy, led by Charge d’Affaires David Green, Governor Oyebanji expressed Ekiti State’s desire for American assistance in enhancing its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, particularly in cocoa development. Additionally, the governor proposed a partnership between Ekiti’s Knowledge Zone and the renowned US technology hub, Silicon Valley.

Acknowledging the potential for growth and progress through collaboration, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of productivity in driving economic prosperity. He highlighted various areas for potential collaboration, including agriculture, youth and women empowerment, climate change, healthcare, renewable energy, and investment promotion.

The governor expressed gratitude for the support received from the American Government, particularly in agricultural development, such as the Ikun Dairy Farm. He underscored the significance of such collaborations in strengthening the state’s economy, creating job opportunities, and improving the quality of life for citizens.

Charge d’Affaires David Green echoed the United States’ readiness to work with Ekiti State to achieve economic growth. He assured the governor of the US government’s interest in identifying potential areas for development and fostering collaboration in agriculture, healthcare, knowledge economy, and other sectors.

Top officials from both Ekiti State and the American Embassy attended the meeting, underscoring the commitment to exploring avenues for cooperation. The discussions encompassed various aspects of economic development, including agriculture, healthcare, and investment promotion.

Following the meeting, the embassy’s team embarked on an inspection of agricultural investments in the state, demonstrating their commitment to furthering discussions and potential partnerships for sustainable development.