Oyebanji targets 26,000 jobs through Ekiti Knowledge Zone

PHOTO: Stakeholders at the workshop

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating more than 26,000 direct and indirect jobs and injecting over $14 million into the state’s economy annually through the ongoing Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project.

Speaking on Friday at a Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop held at Ikogosi Resort, the governor—represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo—said the EKZ was conceived to position the state to benefit fully from global technological shifts.

He described the engagement session as “a proactive step aimed at ensuring effective collaboration among all participants,” saying it would help build trust, promote innovation and ensure long-term success by harnessing diverse perspectives and preventing avoidable conflicts.

Oyebanji said, “My government firmly believes that the prosperity of Ekiti State will be built on the strength of its people on their talents, creativity, resilience, and intelligence.

“That is why this initiative was conceived as a hub where government, academia, innovators and the private sector can work together to solve real problems, accelerate public-sector transformation, and create new economic opportunities for our young people.

“My vision for the state is one where many young Ekiti people can work for global companies without leaving their communities.

“We will continue to provide an enabling environment not only to make the Knowledge Zone a success, but to make the entire state a model of progress and achievement.

“Through the EKZ project, which is ongoing, we are looking at creation of over 26,000 direct and indirect jobs and as well injection of more than $14m into the state’s economy annually.”

The governor urged participants to engage actively, stressing the need for each institution to align with the shared vision as the world advances rapidly with data, artificial intelligence, research and digital innovation driving progress.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr Moyo Ekundayo, called for a stronger focus on building applications and software solutions that solve real societal problems. He urged stakeholders to look beyond certificates and prioritize genuine value creation.

EKZ Project Coordinator, Lolade Olutola, said the workshop marked a major milestone in Ekiti’s aspiration to become a hub for innovation, technology, research, enterprise development and talent competitiveness.

Olutola commended the governor, saying “Oyebanji’s strong and visible commitment to the Knowledge Zone initiative is not only commendable, but also serves as a great encouragement to all stakeholders.”

Chairman of the EKZ Steering Committee, Dr Emmanuel Akinwumi, said knowledge zone models had succeeded in several parts of the world.

Citing California as an example, he noted that “such initiatives typically attracted clusters of industries and businesses wherever implemented.”

He urged Ekiti indigenes in the diaspora to invest at home, saying “it is often easier to thrive and make meaningful impact at home than elsewhere.”

The workshop comes weeks after the state began payment of ₦1.45 billion in compensation to 195 landowners whose lands were acquired for the EKZ project, located across Aro, Araromi and Ijan communities in Gbonyin Local Government.

During the cheque presentation, Oyebanji had described the EKZ as “a cornerstone project designed to harness the state’s intellectual capital to drive inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment and job creation.”

He added that the project was supported by major investments including the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport and the Ekiti Ring Road, noting, “These facilities ensure efficient connectivity and access.”

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the African Development Bank for providing the support and technical assistance that made the project possible.

At the same event, Project Coordinator Olutola had affirmed, “The Knowledge Zone is designed to empower youth, support families, and lay the foundation for Ekiti’s future through knowledge, creativity, and resilience.”

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