Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has advocated a stronger collaboration between the World Bank and the sub-nationals to step up development, stressing that each state has its peculiar developmental challenges that require tailored solution.

Oyebanji gave the charge during a meeting with the World Bank delegation on Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), a World Bank-assisted programme, led by the Task Team Leader, Shinsaku Nomura, in his office in Ado-Ekiti.

The governor, while emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between the World Bank and state governments, said that states are in a better position to identify their priority needs and provide context-specific solutions.

He said that development partners would achieve better results when they work closely with each sub-national government.

Oyebanji, who expressed the readiness of his administration to provide necessary support for the successful implementation of AGILE projects in the state, said that state remains committed to partnering with the World Bank in areas that would improve the welfare of Ekiti people, particularly in education, youth development and other critical sectors.

Earlier in his remark, Nomura said the team was in Ekiti to assess the progress of the programme in the state.

He, however, commended the state government for its commitment to educational development and expressed optimism that continued collaboration would further enhance the delivery of the project’s objective.

Also at the meeting were Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Bayode Ogunmola; State Project Coordinator, Mrs Yewande Adesua, among others.