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Ekiti hinges social economic growth on diversified economy -Govt

David Adenekan
David Adenekan
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Fayemi

Ekiti State government has said the state’s social economic growth is hinged on a diversified economy driven by skilled and healthy workforce.

This plan, the government says, has begun to yield result as evident in the partnership it has forged with development partners and the private sector.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Values Orientation, Aare Olumuyiwa Olumilua, made this known while addressing a press conference to kick start the activities marking first year anniversary of Governor Kayode Fayemi with the theme, “Walking the talk…Restoring values, Enhancing Impact.”

Part of the activities lined up for the one year celebration is the foundation laying of the Ekiti Airport, a new Ministry of Justice building and traditional rulers chamber among others.

This is in addition to the commissioning of not fewer than 50 projects spread across the 16 local government areas.

Olumilua, at the press conference, said government was already into partnership with some private investors and development partners that would eventually attract to the state over $100million to finance Ekiti Knowledge Zone, Special Agriculture Processing Zone, Ado-Akure Road, and Ekiti Airport as well as $5million to revive the moribund Ikun Dairy farm.

According to him, the projects, would ensure that Ekiti becomes the hub of the service and knowledge industry in Nigeria, cement the state’s  place as a leading agricultural hub, and also improve access and connectivity for business and recreational travellers.

“Other projects include the World Bank funded NEWMAP and RAAMP projects which will improve the water supply to Ekiti people, and open up rural access roads to enable the easy evacuation of our farm produce.”

“Ekiti State is about to conclude a joint venture partnership with Promasidor Nigeria Limited, to revive the moribund Ikun Dairy Farm. The Shareholder Agreement for the new company to be formed to manage the dairy farm will be signed this month, with Promisador as the core investor, while the state will retain a minority interest, through its investment company, Fountain Holdings. This will attract a new investment of $5 million into Ikun Dairy Farm, which will be used to buy equipment, provide the appropriate herd of cattle, and develop an outgrower scheme for providing feed for the cattle.”

He affirmed that government would continue to ensure growth by invest heavily in education and healthcare of the people to ensure a skilled and healthy workforce.

He explained that human capital formed the basic requirement to attract investments and other rewards to the state adding that the state’s development plan was hinged on the need to lay a solid foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The commissioner confirmed that government would leverage on the state’s competitive advantages and history by focusing on agriculture and agri-business, knowledge and economy services, tourism and hospitality, and solid minerals saying it would prioritize development of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, and the Special Agriculture Processing Zone that will make Ekiti the destination of choice for investors.

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