Ekiti at 30: Stakeholders harp on unity, collective action for prosperity

Stakeholders in Ekiti State have emphasized the importance of unity, active citizenship, and collective action to capitalize on the state's achievements over the past 30 years and foster a more prosperous environment. At a public hearing organized by the Ekiti State House of Assembly to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the state's creation in 1996, former governors, lawmakers, technocrats, academics, and traditional stakeholders gathered to examine the state's progress and outline a strategy for the next three decades.

The forum acknowledged advancements in infrastructure, education, human capital, and economic growth while stressing the necessity of positioning Ekiti as an investment hub and center of prosperity. Former Governor Chief Segun Oni commended the citizens for the anniversary, urging them to back Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration in advancing development.

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, highlighted the purpose of the hearing as a comprehensive review of the state's journey, identification of challenges, and generation of practical measures, adding that the recommendations would influence the legislative agenda of the Seventh Assembly and future parliaments. Tope Adebayo, a lawyer and philanthropist, delivered the keynote address, asserting that Ekiti's growth should be evaluated based on opportunities provided to citizens rather than the number of successful indigenes, urging successive administrations to view their contributions as part of a continuous effort rather than a competition.

Chief Afolabi Ogunlayi, the first Commissioner for Finance, recounted the historical context of Ekiti's formation from the marginalization agitation in the former Ondo State, noting that despite initial difficulties, the state had made significant progress in infrastructure and population. Karounwi Oladapo, former Deputy Speaker, stressed the importance of harmony between the executive and legislature in realizing the founding fathers' vision, citing the example of the legislative process that transferred the former Ondo State University in Ado-Ekiti to Ekiti and renamed it University of Ado-Ekiti.

Akin Oyebode, Commissioner for Finance, reported that the state's economy had diversified, with the proportion of revenue from agriculture decreasing from 80% in 2005 to 40% in 2017, while internally generated revenue (IGR) increased from approximately N8 billion in 2020 to over N50 billion in 2025, covering the payment of monthly salaries.

Oyebode attributed the recent fiscal strength to Oyebanji's Shared Prosperity agenda and President Bola Tinubu's reforms. Prof. Babatola Ayodele, Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, encouraged active citizenship, stating that active citizens are catalysts for development, and development thrives when citizens are partners rather than mere observers.

Stakeholders concluded that the subsequent 30 years should emphasize economic diversification, institutional enhancement, youth empowerment, and investment attraction.