Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has said that his government is embracing cutting edge technologies for sustainable development in the state.
In a bid to propel the state into the forefront of technology -driven development in the country he expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with the Government of Finland.
The Governor who made this known during a working visit to the Finish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, in Abuja said the partnership was aimed at bringing cutting-edge technology and expertise to Ekiti Knowledge Zone.
Explaining that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone has capacity to lift Ekiti people out of poverty, Oyebanji said the collaboration would also harness Finland’s renowned prowess in science, innovation, technology, and provide a transformative impetus for economic growth and social development.
He said Finland, which is renowned for her robust tech- ecosystem and innovation-friendly policies, would also contribute significantly to Ekiti’s aspiration to become a hub for technology-driven solutions in Nigeria.
The governor added that the partnership envisions knowledge exchange, skill development, and joint initiatives that will propel Ekiti State into the forefront of technological advancement in Nigeria and African Continent.
“We have an ecosystem that is called Ekiti Knowledge Zone and it is an innovation hub that is going to leverage on services and I discovered that services contribute more than 70 percent to Finland GDP, so we have a lot to learn from Finland and a lot to do together.
“My visit is to tell you that we are a partnership with Finland. We are looking for partnership with friendly countries and agencies that will see what we have and collaborate with us so that we can lead our people out of poverty, reduce insecurity, create wealth and employment for the people, “ the Governor asserted.