In order to achieve its administration’s shared prosperity agenda, the Ekiti State Government has sought support and partnership from the United States of America to develop the state’s economy and enhance cocoa production.
Specifically, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, expressed his willingness to collaborate with the American government to enhance support for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in cocoa development. Additionally, he proposed a partnership between the state’s Knowledge Zone and the US technology hub, Silicon Valley.
Governor Oyebanji, who made these statements during a meeting in Ado-Ekiti with a team from the American Embassy led by Charge d’Affaires David Green, emphasized the state’s intention to leverage American expertise, resources, and investment to foster progress in various sectors including economy, security, climate change, and innovation.
During the meeting, attended by the Consul General of the American Embassy, William Stevens, Chairman of CAVISTA Holdings, Mr. John Olajide, and other embassy officials, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the American Government’s support in the state’s agriculture development initiatives, particularly the Ikun Dairy Farm.
The collaboration is expected to bolster the state’s economy, create employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for its residents. Areas of collaboration with the United States include agriculture, youth and women empowerment, art and culture, climate change, healthcare, renewable energy, and investment promotion.
Governor Oyebanji affirmed his government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for the private sector to transform the state into a production hub and boost its economy.
The Charge d’Affaires, David Green, reiterated the United States government’s readiness to collaborate with Ekiti State to enhance its economic growth, identifying potential areas for development where US assistance could be beneficial.
The Embassy’s team, including Foreign Agriculture Counselor Chris Bielecki, Deputy Political and Economic Chief Kenise Hill, Political Specialist Mayowa Obilade, and Foreign Agricultural Specialist Tolani Abegunde, expressed interest in fostering fruitful collaboration with the state government in agriculture, health, and the knowledge economy, among other fields. They pledged to continue discussions with relevant state agencies to further these initiatives.
Other officials present at the meeting included Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, Secretary to the State Government Dr. (Mrs.) Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service Engr. Sunday Komolafe, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr. Oyebanji Filani, Special Adviser on Governance Hon. Odunayo Ayeni, and Director General of Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) Mrs. Lolade Olutola.
The team proceeded on an inspection of the Agbeyewa farms and other agricultural investments in the state, shortly after the meeting.