Oyebanji to partner China in agric, mining, tourism, others

By Omolade Adegbuyi

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji is set to partner with the Government of People’s Republic of China in the areas of investment, agriculture, mining, power, tourism, education and innovation.

This, according to the Governor, is with the aim of leveraging China’s expertise and resources to drive growth across various sectors and ensure all-round development of the state.

Governor Oyebanji stated this at the weekend while receiving the Chinese Consul General, Ms. Yan Yuquing and her team at the Government House, Ado- Ekiti.

He maintained that his administration remains committed to partnership and business engagement with global investors in developing the critical sectors of the state’s economy in line with the shared prosperity agenda of the administration.

Expressing optimism about potential collaboration with China, the Governor said the collaboration is expected to focus on key areas which include agriculture, investment, mining, power sector, education, science and innovation among others.

The Governor, who noted that the state shares the same vision of developing her citizens as does China, said he is eager to see more Chinese companies and investment in Ekiti in a bid to create an eco-system of peace, create employment and make life worthwhile for the people of the state.

“We are looking for credible partners and countries to collaborate with. In Ekiti State, there are opportunities in agriculture both green and brown field investment, there is opportunity in mining, there is opportunities in the power sector; electricity generation. We have a law now that allows us to generate and distribute electricity, only three states in the country have that status and Ekiti is one of them. There is opportunity in tourism, in culture because Ekiti is highly endowed.

“We are also looking forward to collaborating in areas of education and innovation. One of our flagship projects is the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, which is our own answer to creating wealth for our people. I would be looking forward to signing MOU with some of your companies so that we can take it up from there. In fairness we share the same vision with you to develop our people, to create an eco system of peace, to create employment for our people, to make life worthwhile to Ekiti people”. The Governor said.

Earlier in her remarks, the Consul General, Yan Yuquing commended the Governor for his efforts at ensuring that every sector of the state’s economic is developed. She said China and Nigeria have a lot in common and expressed further collaboration with the state.

While assuring the Governor of the cooperation of the People’s Republic of China, Ms Yuquing said she is eager to see further collaboration with the State beyond construction, stressing that agriculture, education, trade and business development, and innovation are some of the areas China is ready to collaborate with the state.

Also at the meeting were, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Tayo Adeola; Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Bolaji Aluko; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer; Commissioner for Education Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye; Commissioner for innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr. Seun Fakunade.

Others were Special Adviser Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode; Director General , Bureau of Toursim Development, Amb Wale Ojo Lanre; Senior Special Assistant, intergovernmental and Comsular Matters, Damola Ajibade.