Determined to boost Ekiti State economy, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has begun talks with agencies of the Federal Government and development partners in Abuja, FCT.
Oyebanji, who yesterday met top officials of Nirsal Microfinance Bank and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), said he was in Abuja to lead the talks with heads of the federal MDAs, international development agencies and some private sector players in areas of support and collaboration with the administration.
The support of the agencies, the governor said, would aid his administration’s plan to boost economic prosperity of the people.
In separate meetings with the Managing Director/CEO of Nirsal Microfinance Bank, Abubakar Kure and Director General/CEO of SMEDAN, Olawale Fasanya, Oyebanji said he was convinced that the state’s fortune would improve through strategic partnership with agencies.
Read Also: Oyebanji: I’m not under pressure to appoint Fayemi’s men
He said the government would ensure conducive atmosphere for small and medium scale businesses to thrive, while also attracting big business concerns to invest in the state.
The governor said the focus of his administration was how Ekiti people, known for their educational attainment, could deploy their knowledge to create wealth, adding that his administration would leave no stone unturned in seeking opportunities for youths to get employed and to be able to set up businesses.
“I know if we are able to develop our SMEs, IGR will improve and life of the people will improve,” he said, urging the agencies for support for agriculture and cooperatives.
Speaking at one of the meetings, Kure said the financial institution would provide fund for the state to handle youth unemployment.
He highlighted the schemes the state could access; urging the governor to ensure beneficiaries met their repayment obligation.
Fasanya said the agency was ready to partner Ekiti State.
He said: “The majority of the population are farmers, traders and artisans. So we have a lot to support.”
Oyebanji said he was set to do everything possible to improve the economic condition of the state, stressing that an improvement in the economy would end kidnapping and other crimes.