Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has unveiled a long-term vision for the state’s development, calling for greater investment in innovation, enterprise and the practical application of knowledge as Ekiti marks 30 years since its creation.
Oyebanji made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Ekiti at 30 Future Summit in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, as part of activities commemorating the state’s three decades of existence.
The governor said Ekiti’s next phase of development must move beyond its longstanding reputation for academic excellence to building an economy capable of generating employment, attracting investment and translating knowledge into measurable economic value.
He identified technology, culture and tourism as key drivers that could position the state as a global centre for the knowledge economy over the next 30 years.
According to him, the development of Ekiti by 2056 would depend on the ability of government, the private sector, educational institutions and young people to turn ideas and expertise into practical solutions.
“Certificates alone could no longer build industry, create jobs, mechanise agriculture, develop tourism or compete in a technology-driven global economy,” the governor said, stressing the need for an economy driven by innovation.
Oyebanji calls for a new development agenda
The summit provided an opportunity for the state to assess its achievements since its creation in 1996 and consider the priorities required to sustain growth over the coming decades.
Oyebanji said the 30th anniversary should serve as more than a ceremonial milestone, arguing that it offered an opportunity to evaluate the state’s present circumstances and establish a clear direction for future generations.
He urged residents to recognise the sacrifices of the state’s founders while confronting existing challenges and developing practical strategies for sustainable prosperity.
The governor also emphasised the importance of partnerships involving private businesses, cooperatives, development institutions and Ekiti indigenes living abroad, noting that the responsibility for building the state’s economy should not rest solely on government.
The anniversary theme, “Ekiti: Celebrating the Past, Creating the Future,” reflects the administration’s stated ambition to connect the state’s historical achievements with a more productive and innovative future.
Youth development takes centre stage
Young people featured prominently in the summit’s development agenda, with discussions focusing on how education, skills, entrepreneurship and technology could create opportunities for the next generation.
The governor called for a shift towards practical innovation and economic productivity, highlighting the need to ensure that the knowledge acquired through education contributes directly to employment creation, industrial development and improved living standards.
The emphasis reflects a wider development challenge for Ekiti: ensuring that its educational strengths translate into economic opportunities within the state.
For such a transition to succeed, investment in infrastructure, reliable electricity, business development and industry partnerships will be essential to helping entrepreneurs and skilled workers build sustainable enterprises.
A 30-year vision for Ekiti
The administration’s vision for 2056 places innovation, competence and enterprise at the centre of its long-term development plans.
However, translating that ambition into measurable progress will require sustained implementation, clear development priorities and cooperation among public institutions, businesses and communities.
As Ekiti reflects on its first 30 years, the central question is how effectively its educational heritage and human capital can be converted into jobs, stronger industries, improved public services and broader economic opportunities.
The Future Summit was designed to provide a platform for stakeholders, particularly young people, to contribute ideas that could inform the state’s development direction.
Oyebanji urged residents to participate in shaping that future, stressing that the next chapter of Ekiti’s history would depend on the collective determination to turn its potential into lasting prosperity.