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.
Peoplesmind
