By Lekan Adejuwon
Ekiti State Government has described the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of $80million from the African Development Bank (AFDB) for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project as a remarkable milestone in Government’s effort to harness the power of technology and innovation for sustainable economic growth and the improvement of the livelihoods of people in the State.
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, stressed that the loan would help build a thriving digital ecosystem, foster research and development as well as support growth of technology startups in the state.
Stressing that the development is expected to drive innovation, create jobs, and enrich the people, Olatunbosun stated that all strata of the society would benefit from the project including students, youths, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
He added that the EKZ would foster an environment where potentials can be harnessed and beneficiaries could contribute to the growth of the state and the nation in general.
Reiterating the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to a rapid and sustainable development of the State, Olatunbosun assured that the loan would be judiciously utilized in order to achieve the desired goal.
He urged all stakeholders to support the efforts of Government to improve their lot, stressing that the task of developing the State must be seen as a collective responsibility.
The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support towards obtaining the loan for the success of the Knowledge Zone and pledged that the State would work closely with the African Development Bank to ensure strict compliance with all terms and conditions
