By Precious Owolabi
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the resolve of his administration to continue to partner with genuine investors willing to explore the vast economic opportunities available in the state.
Oyebanji who stated this in Ado-Ekiti while receiving a team from the British High Commission led by the Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, affirmed that his government has already put in place structures that guarantee a seamless and business-friendly environment for investors.
He said, Ekiti remains open to credible partnerships that would further accelerate its development agenda and improve the living standard of the people.”
The governor explained that his government has prioritised reforms in critical sectors such as agriculture, tourism and technology to attract both local and foreign investors, adding that the state also offers a peaceful atmosphere, abundant human capital and strategic locations that make it an ideal destination for investment.
He also said that his government has been consistently rated high in transparency, accountability and integrity in governance, stressing that those core values have earned the state the confidence of development partners and investors.
While commending the British Government for its continued interest in Nigeria’s development, Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism that the renewed engagement would open new areas of collaboration between Ekiti State and the United Kingdom.
He assured the team that his government would continue to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for investors to thrive in the state.
“We believe strongly that capital will move to any community or state where it is treated well, so we have in place structures like infrastructure, security and access and we also put in strong reforms and institutions that will make doing business in the state seamless.
“In the last three years, we tick all the boxes with respect to accountability, transparency and integrity in governance and most of the agencies have rated Ekiti State very high on fiscal transparency and accountability and I also head the committee of ease of doing business in the state to ensure we put up structures that will make business run very well in the state and remove all those impediments that may stand in the way of doing business,” the governor said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, who lauded Governor Oyebanji for his visionary leadership and for creating a business friendly environment in the state, expressed the readiness of the United Kingdom to strengthen ties with Ekiti State in the area of mutual interest.
While emphasising that the United Kingdom values collaboration with subnational governments that demonstrate clear commitment to reforms and sustainable development, Baxter said the state’s conducive business environment and leadership make it a viable partner for future economic and development cooperation.
In attendance at the meeting were the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode and Technical Advisor on Ecological and Green Economy, Dr. Akinyemi Akinyua.