Oyebanji Challenges Ekiti Youth to Embrace Skills, Technology and Innovation

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for a shift from the state’s identity as the “Fountain of Knowledge” to a hub of innovation, productivity and prosperity.

Oyebanji during the seminar, themed “Ekiti at 30: Celebrating the Past, Creating the Future,” said the anniversary should go beyond celebrations, urging Ekiti people to reflect on the state’s achievements, confront its challenges and plan for the future.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers and mothers of the state, including traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, civil servants, journalists, women’s groups and youth organisations.

Oyebanji also acknowledged the role of the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, under whose administration Ekiti State was created in 1996.

He said the state had produced distinguished scholars, judges, writers, entrepreneurs and public servants, but cautioned against complacency.

The governor said Ekiti must convert its intellectual strength into economic value, with education focused not just on certificates but also on skills, innovation, enterprise and job creation.

He identified agriculture, the knowledge economy, technology, tourism, culture and the creative sector as key areas for future growth.

Oyebanji said the Ekiti Knowledge Zone was part of efforts to develop the state’s knowledge economy, while calling for greater investment in technical and vocational education.

He urged young people to acquire useful skills, embrace technology and develop solutions to local challenges, while rejecting fraud and other shortcuts to wealth.

Oyebanji said the next 30 years must be defined by production, enterprise and transformation, with no child denied quality education, no community forgotten and no talent wasted.