Ekiti Gov’t Harps On Wealth Creation, Assures Of Continued Press Freedom

The Ekiti State Government has reiterated its commitment to creating wealth for the people and banish poverty from the state through its policies and programmes.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji who stated this also promised his administration’s continued support for press freedom, insisting that gagging and intimidation of media practitioners would not be tolerated in the state.

Governor Oyebanji stated this in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital during the annual public lecture/award ceremony and launching of digital journalism of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State council

The Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adebayo Adewole; the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Olatunde; a former Commissioner for Works and former State Secretary of PDP, Mrs Funmilayo Ogun; Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe; commissioner for youth development, Gold Adedayo; and the CEO of Cavista Holdings limited, John Olajide were honoured at the event.

Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, said his government invested in all key sectors of the economy including infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture and industrialisation since assumed office in 2022.

“Our government’s activities and programmes are anchored on our 6-point agenda, and we are seriously walking the talk and strategically carrying them out by translating our promises to the people to reality.

“In almost two years, we believe that if we must achieve our shared prosperity agenda, we must create wealth and in doing that, we try as much as possible to ensure we tap into those areas where we can expand the coast of creating jobs for our young ones by creating enabling environment, provide ease of doing business legislation and facilities for our people as well as ensuring that we tap seriously into agricultural development, digital and technological innovations for our youths, collaborating with development partners and financial institutions to empower our youths and women.

“All these are being done to ensure that we create wealth in the state, this will in turn spring up class of labour and we shall continue to share prosperity across line. By food production in surplus, we will be able to eat what we produce and we equally sell part of it,” Oyebanji said.

Explaining the critical role of the media to the development of democracy and support for his administration, the Governor said, “The contribution of gentlemen of the press in their support for the development and achievements we have been able to record in the last 23 months is recognised.You have been reliable partners in our drive to achieve our shared prosperity agenda.

“We will continue to encourage free speech in Ekiti, and let me say that since the inception of this administration, we have not recorded any case of gagging or intimidation of the media, we believe in the role of the media in our society and the democracy. We know the value you are adding to us and will continue to support the media to be able to discharge their duties in Ekiti.”

Chairman of the event, Senator Bamidele who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Gbenga Banji commended members of the media for the contribution to nation building and urged the people to keep faith with the administration of President Bola Tinubu in his efforts at actualising his Renewed Hope Agenda for the country.

Delivering his keynote speech, the CEO of Cavista Holdings, Olajide who was represented by Mr Dauda Lawal in his keynote address said the firm’s believes that its investments should have positive impact on the communities where it operates.

“That’s why we have chosen Ekiti as a key location for our agribusiness and hospitality ventures. Our investments in Agbeyewa Farm and the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Centre, are designed to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and showcase the beauty and potential of Ekiti.

“We believe that by providing employment opportunities, we can empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive. Our investments are designed to be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible”.