The Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji has restated the commitment of his administration to partnering with critical private sector players and institutions as a strategic driver for economic growth and sustainable development of the state.
Governor Oyebanji stated this on Tuesday, when he received the management team of the First Bank Plc led by the Managing Director/CEO, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu in his office, in Ado-Ekiti.
He said that his administration has continued to intensify efforts at creating conducive environment for investors and development partners towards economic transformation of the state.
While explaining that Government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of economic development, the Governor emphasized that private sector participation remains crucial in unlocking the state’s vast potential.
He also highlighted agriculture and innovation as key sectors where private investors can play active roles to accelerate growth.
Governor Oyebanji maintained that his administration has continued to prioritize agriculture and innovation as a way to productively engage the youths, address unemployment and banish poverty. Stressing that his administration has strengthened the security architecture of the state to protect lives, property, and investment, the Governor said Ekiti is safe for business.
While congratulating the Ekiti State born First Bank MD, Mr Alebiosu, for his appointment as the head of the financial institution, the Governor affirmed that his government has been able to strengthen the security architecture of the state, calling on the bank to consider opening profitable branches in different parts of the state to drive local economy.
“The pathway to prosperity is productivity and if the people are not productive they cannot prosper. We also recognize that Government does not have the capacity to engage everybody, so there is need to partner with critical private sector players to create an eco-system where people can be productively engaged. So, partnering with First Bank is going to be beneficiary in driving our shared prosperity agenda. We want to get facilities for informal sector such as artisans and the youth’’. The Governor asserted
Earlier in his remarks, the First Bank MD, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, who commended the economic drive of Governor Oyebanji’s administration particularly, the global face given to the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, emphasized on the need to increase the industrial base of the state to encourage local production and increase revenue generation.
Emphasizing that First Bank remains a trusted partner in promoting sustainable growth, Mr Alebiosu assured the Governor that the financial institution would collaborate with the state and provide the necessary financial backing to drive key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and small-scale enterprise.
Also at the meeting were, the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Accountant General of the State, Mrs Titilayo Olayinka, and Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs Bamisile Lucy, and a member of the state House of Assembly, Hon Oluwole Akale.
