Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the Chairman Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu have urged governor Biodun Oyebanji, to prioritize establishment of industries during his second term in office.

 

The duo spoke at the weekend during the official commissioning of the new Government Lodge named after Dr Kayode Fayemi within the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.

 

Fayemi said that the governor had the advantage of project completion in the last four years, adding that, he also has the advantage of a fresh start.

 

“And you will now see the value of that fresh start in all of the projects that are going to be embarked upon and those that would add greater value, just as Kabiyesi Ogoga has said, industries, factories, and other small-scale enterprises that our states will benefit from.

 

“We have to thank our governor for his passion, for his commitment, and for his adherence to the development plan. Every development plan needs revision, and there are new things that are coming up. So I expect that 30-year plan to even undergo some changes now to reflect the realities that we’re dealing with in the state.

 

“As I’ve always said, the job is not finished. Development is a permanent enterprise. Mission building is a continuous responsibility and our government is not tired. Our government

is still committed. Our government will continue to serve Ekiti with the same resolute support that Ekiti people are giving us in returning him to office resoundingly,

historically as the first governor to be put back in office back to back.”

 

In his remarks, Ogoga said: “I want to encourage you to embark on businesses that can take our youths out of unemployment. People will expect much in your second term in office and I believe you will etch your name in gold.

 

Also speaking, Oyebanji said the new VIP chalet units named after former Governor Fayemi is a strategic investment designed to attract investors and accelerate the state’s economic development.

 

He noted that the facility is not merely a public building but critical infrastructure to support the administration’s industrialization agenda.

 

According to Oyebanji, the project aligns with the state’s 30-year development plan, particularly the next phase of his administration which is focused on creating an enabling environment for investment, supporting businesses and stimulating productivity.

 

He explained that the state had reached a stage where it must provide facilities that would meet the expectations of local and international investors seeking to establish businesses in Ekiti.

 

Oyebanji disclosed that prospective investors had repeatedly raised concerns over the absence of quality accommodation in the state, noting that the deficiency had caused Ekiti to lose several investment opportunities.

 

His words, “The next phase of this administration is to attract investors and investment into the state. We are committed to supporting small businesses, creating an atmosphere and ecosystem that will drive investment and ensuring that we provide a decent environment for investors.

 

“This is not just a building. It is part of the infrastructure required to drive shared prosperity. We are not a backwater state. Ekiti deserves the very best and investors who come here should have decent accommodation while they carry out their business.

 

“We have had investors asking whether there is a safe and comfortable place where they can stay for weeks or months while executing their projects.

 

“On many occasions, visitors had to fly into Ekiti and leave the same day because there was no decent accommodation. This facility answers that question.

 

“We are not a state of ingrates. Those who have served Ekiti faithfully deserve to be honoured. None of our former governors named public facilities after themselves while in office, so it is only fitting that subsequent administrations recognise their contributions”.