Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has sought the collaboration of the Government of the People’s Republic of China in the areas of investment, agriculture, mining, power, tourism, education and innovation.
This, according to the Governor, is to leverage China’s expertise and resources to drive growth across various sectors and ensure all-round development of the state.
Governor Oyebanji stated this on Sunday while receiving the Chinese Consul General, Ms. Yan Yuquing and her team at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti. He maintained that his administration remains committed to partnership and business engagement with global investors in developing the critical sectors of the state’s economy in line with the shared prosperity agenda of the administration.
Expressing optimism about potential collaboration with China, the Governor said the collaboration is expected to focus on key areas which include agriculture, investment, mining, power sector, education, science and innovation among others.
The Governor, who noted that the state shares the same vision of developing her citizens as China, said he is eager to see more Chinese companies and investment in Ekiti in a bid to create an eco-system of peace, create employment and make life worthwhile for the people of the state.
“We are looking for credible partners and countries to collaborate with. In Ekiti State, there are opportunities in agriculture both green and brownfield investment, there is opportunities in mining, there is opportunities in the power sector; electricity generation. We have a law now that allows us to generate and distribute electricity, only three states in the country have that status and Ekiti is one of them. There is opportunity in tourism, in culture because Ekiti is highly endowed.
“We are also looking forward to collaborating in areas of education and innovation. One of our flagship projects is the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, which is our own answer to creating wealth for our people. I would be looking forward to signing an MOU with some of your companies so that we can take it up from there. In fairness, we share the same vision with you to develop our people, to create an ecosystem of peace, to create employment for our people, to make life worthwhile to Ekiti people”. The Governor said.
Earlier in her remarks, the Consul General, Yan Yuquing commended the Governor for his efforts at ensuring that every sector of the state’s economy is developed. She said China and Nigeria have a lot in common and expressed further collaboration with the state.
While assuring the Governor of the cooperation of the People’s Republic of China, Ms Yuquing said she is eager to see further collaboration with the State beyond construction, stressing that agriculture, education, trade and business development, and innovation are some of the areas China is ready to collaborate with the state.
Also at the meeting were, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Tayo Adeola; Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer; Commissioner for Education Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye; Commissioner for innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr. Seun Fakunade.
Others were Special Adviser Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode; Director General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Amb Wale Ojo Lanre; Senior Special Assistant, intergovernmental and Consular Matters, Damola Ajibade.
