Ekiti at 30: Oyebanji says state can become a technology and commercial hub

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji marked the state's 30th anniversary with a statewide broadcast, saying Ekiti has outperformed many states created at the same time on human development despite modest federal allocations, Peoples Gazette reports, citing the News Agency of Nigeria.

Ekiti was created on 1 October 1996, alongside Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Gombe, Nasarawa and Zamfara. The governor credited the creation committee led by Chief Oladeji Fasuan, Aare Afe Babalola and the traditional rulers who pushed for statehood.

Under the theme "Ekiti at 30; Celebrating the Past and Creating the Future", Oyebanji announced a 30-year development agenda, including a multi-billion-naira Ekiti Knowledge Zone technology park and a Special Agro-Processing Zone. He said he expects Ekiti to move from a mainly civil service state to a technology hub and commercial centre over the next three decades.

Residents were invited to anniversary events, including a conversation with young people on 7 October at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre in Ado-Ekiti. The governor also urged residents to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 16 January 2027 election.