Oyebanji Marks Ekiti at 30, Unveils 30-Year Transformation Plan
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has praised the progress the state has recorded since its creation 30 years ago, while outlining an ambitious plan to transform its economy over the next three decades.
In a statewide broadcast marking the anniversary, Oyebanji said that despite the difficulties the state has faced, there was ample reason to celebrate the milestone given the advances made across various areas of development.
The governor noted that even though Ekiti was among the last states to be created and receives one of the smallest allocations from the Federation Account, it remains ahead of many older and wealthier states on key human development measures.
Ekiti was carved out on October 1, 1996, by the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, in a broadcast commemorating Nigeria's 36th independence anniversary. It was created alongside Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Gombe, Nasarawa and Zamfara states, raising the number of states in the country from 30 to 36.
The creation followed years of determined advocacy by prominent Ekiti citizens, including traditional rulers, lawyers, politicians, senior civil servants, business leaders and community figures, who campaigned under the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State.
Oyebanji recalled that many observers doubted Ekiti could become a state, given that it was up against what he described as more formidable contenders from the South-West geopolitical zone. He gave thanks to God for making the creation possible against the odds.
He said the state's establishment three decades ago, 120 years after the Kiriji War, brought to a close a long struggle for independence that Ekiti forebears began during the liberation war of 1877 to 1893. He congratulated all Ekiti indigenes and everyone from other parts of the world who has made Ekiti their home.
The governor paid tribute to members of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, led by its chairman, Chief Oladeji Fasuan, as well as legal icon Aare Afe Babalola, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, and other monarchs, whom he called the incubators of the state creation struggle. He also honoured the patriotic sacrifices of heroes and heroines of the struggle who have passed away.
Oyebanji described as deeply humbling the fact that he, having served as secretary of the committee that pushed for the state's creation, is now governor as Ekiti turns 30.
He also commended all his predecessors: Col. Inua Bawa, Navy Capt. Atanda Yusuf, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayo Fayose, Chief Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi, as well as leaders who served during interregnums, including Chief Friday Aderemi, Brig.-Gen. Tunji Olurin, Hon Tope Ademiluyi and Hon Tunji Odeyemi, along with all former deputy governors and former heads of the legislature and judiciary.
The governor restated his administration's commitment to the ideals of the founding fathers, saying their vision was for a state where Ekiti people could use their natural and human resources efficiently, effectively and inclusively for the prosperity of all.
He said the founders envisioned an industrialised Ekiti where private sector capital drives the economy and where enterprise and productivity underpin prosperity.
Unveiling the anniversary theme, 'Ekiti at 30: Celebrating the Past and Creating the Future,' Oyebanji announced that the occasion would serve as the launchpad for a 30-year Transformation Agenda.
The plan, he said, is aimed at making Ekiti a leading centre for agricultural production and agro-processing, innovation and technology development, quality and functional education, research and skills development, tourism, culture and the creative economy, and youth entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
To advance the vision, the governor said a conversation with Ekiti youths would be held on October 7, 2026, at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre in Ado Ekiti, with the goals of remembering the past with gratitude, assessing the present honestly and approaching the future with confidence and determination.
He said: "Our agenda is therefore to work aggressively to ensure that the socio-economic infrastructures we have built in these thirty years lead to real economic growth that produces quality employment, crystallize productivity, support enterprise and enhance quality of life."
He cited the ongoing multi-billion naira Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project, describing it as a technology park and economic ecosystem designed to support the ingenuity of the state's young population.
"It is our dream that in another three decades, the tag of Ekiti as a 'civil service' state will have yielded to Ekiti as a Tech Hub in Nigeria' and a major commercial centre for international trade and commerce," he said.
"This is our promise, and we are resolutely committed to it. The Special Agric Processing Zone (SAPZ) will also take off soon. These two projects, upon completion, will transform the economic outlook of the State and drive our government's Shared Prosperity Agenda."
Oyebanji urged residents to turn out in large numbers for the January 16, 2027 presidential election and use their votes to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in appreciation of the support and favour Ekiti has enjoyed under his administration since 2023.
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