UNDP lauds development in Ekiti, assures promotion of nationwide innovation

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State for his significant contributions to the state’s development, particularly in innovation and the digital economy. The UNDP has pledged to showcase Ekiti State’s achievements to other southwestern states and across Nigeria.

During a working visit to the governor’s office in Ado Ekiti on Monday, UNDP’s Country Senior Innovation Adviser, Dr. William Tsuma, commended the state’s advancements in agriculture, education, arts, culture, and the digital economy. He highlighted that these efforts have positioned Ekiti State as a leader in rapid development among Nigerian states.

Dr. Tsuma’s visit comes just a week after Governor Oyebanji inaugurated the state’s first Innovation Hub, known as Startup Garage, in the state capital. Reflecting on the state’s progress, Dr. Tsuma said, “We are looking to borrow your brain and see how we can leverage the expertise and knowledge you’ve developed here to benefit the entire nation. Everyone wants to understand what is happening in Ekiti; how can we learn from Ekiti?”

He emphasized the potential for Ekiti’s innovative strategies to be shared with neighboring regions and beyond, noting, “One of the discussions we are having is ‘Ekiti to Nigeria.’ The state has much to offer, and we are keen on amplifying the outstanding work being done here, particularly in arts and culture.”

Dr. Tsuma also underscored the importance of innovation within the public sector to achieve integrated outcomes that can enhance human development. He assured that the UNDP is prepared to collaborate with Ekiti State to improve the employability of its youth and advance the state’s human development agenda.

The UNDP official further praised Governor Oyebanji for launching a Maker Space alongside the Innovation Hub, acknowledging it as a forward-thinking initiative that the UNDP will support in its implementation. He also commended the governor for fostering an environment that allows young citizens to gain practical experience in the public sector, thereby nurturing a new generation equipped with the skills and wisdom needed for the workplace.

In response, Governor Biodun Oyebanji highlighted the establishment of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone as a critical step in lifting the state out of poverty. He emphasized that creating an ecosystem that drives innovation and technology will increase the employability of Ekiti’s citizens. He called for collaboration between the state’s Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy to address curriculum deficiencies, from elementary to university levels, ensuring the production of global citizens who are both relevant and impactful, regardless of their physical location.

Governor Oyebanji stressed the importance of translating the knowledge of Ekiti’s citizens into economic prosperity, stating, “A people so educated and informed should not be poor. If we are knowledgeable but still the poverty capital of the country, there is a question mark on that knowledge, and that’s why we are working hard to change the narrative.”

The governor also revealed plans to replicate the innovation hub across all 16 local government areas of the state, with a vision to create platforms that allow the youth—who make up over 75% of the population—to achieve greater heights in their careers.

Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, Mr. Seun Fakuade, echoed the governor’s sentiments, stating that Ekiti State is ready to partner with the UNDP to drive development through innovation and capacity building, with a focus on empowering the youth at the heart of the state’s vision.