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Ekiti Government to transform state into innovation hub

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The governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has restated his resolve to transform the state into an innovation hub through the establishment of a Knowledge Zone and Creative Tech Village project.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day Ekiti State Innovation Summit with the theme “Innovate Ekiti: Kick-starting the Ekiti State Innovation Pathway to Prosperity,” Oyebanji said the implementation of the project was irrevocable.

Oyebanji, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, said that the government has set in motion its ambitious plans to establish a Knowledge Zone and a Creative Tech Village as a significant stride towards nurturing homegrown innovation.

The governor explained that the summit was a pivotal platform for the groundbreaking initiative which underscores the government’s dedication to transforming the state into an innovation hub.

Also highlighting the summit’s purpose, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, Mr Seun Fakuade, said, “The gathering is not just a summit; it is the birth of Ekiti’s future.”

The commissioner noted that the establishment of a Knowledge Zone and a Creative Village in Ekiti, was a clear testament to the administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and technological advancement.

“The Knowledge Zone and Creative Village are envisioned as ecosystems, where ideas, creativity, and innovation will flourish. These hubs, aim to provide state-of-the-art facilities, resources, and an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and innovators, facilitating the transition of Ekiti into a leading knowledge-driven economy.

“We are on a path to revolutionising Ekiti’s economy through knowledge-driven innovation, building Ekiti State as a Talent Capital for Nigeria, ensuring our State becomes an important knowledge innovation corridor, a beacon of progress and prosperity,” he said.

Also Read: Ekiti State Collaborates With Solid Minerals Ministry To Create Wealth 

In his address, Dr William Tsuma, Chief Innovation Officer, Lagos Innovation office of the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP), highlighted the critical role of ensuring innovation to solve the problem of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria.

“According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 63 per cent of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor while 42 per cent of young people are out of work. This means we cannot talk about innovation without solving real problems affecting everyday Nigerians.

“We need to create jobs and get more kids into schools. We need to package innovation, as close to the sources of the problem we are trying to solve as possible,” he said.

Cross-section of participants at the 2-day Ekiti State Innovation Summit

Mr Edward Israel-Ayide, founder of Carpe Diem Solutions, offered valuable guidance for local innovators looking to make a global impact.

“Branding your innovative ideas is not just about marketing; it is about creating an identity that resonates with your audience and distinguishes your innovations in the marketplace,” he said.

In October 2023, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its weekly meeting, had approved $80 million finance from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project (EKZ).

The minister said the action would help young people in the sectors of knowledge, economy, technology, and communications to thrive and widen their opportunities.

Source NAN
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