Promise partnership to Boost Ekiti Development
…APC candidate proposes Diaspora commission in Ekiti
Ekiti indigenes abroad, under the auspices of ‘Ekiti in Diaspora for BAO’, have expressed their willingness to partner Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. the APC Candidates, in his aspiration to govern and take Ekiti to an enviable height.
Speaking while presenting campaign materials to Oyebanji in Ado Ekiti at the weekend, the leader of the group, Prof. Folarin Oguntoyinbo said some Ekiti indigenes abroad, especially those in Europe and America, who shared same dream for Ekiti development and could vouch for Oyebanji’s competence and credibility, came together as a support group the moment the hint was dropped that he would contest the governorship position.
To demonstrate commitment to the project, Prof. Oguntoyinbo said the group set up a committee tagged; ‘Development Project for Ekiti’ to look into different areas, through which the diasporans could partner government to provide expertise in technology, medicine, ICT, Energy and other areas towards boosting Ekiti economy and infrastructure.
“What Ekiti lack in natural resources, we have it abundantly in human development within and outside Nigeria. For instance, in various countries of the world, we have brilliant and successful Ekiti professionals taking the lead in Sciences, IT development, construction and energy and all these can be tapped to develop our state. For instance, we have our brothers and sisters abroad who could partner the state to solve the problem of epileptic electricity supply in Ekiti.
We have those who can bring their expertise to bear in the areas of construction, ICT and medicine with ease.
Responding Oyebanji said he was humbled and further spurred by the gesture to fulfil his electoral promises to Ekiti if elected governor.
“I feel highly honoured and appreciative anytime I receive campaign materials from Ekiti people who put their hard earned resources together unsolicitedly to contribute to this project. This has further spurred me to rededicate myself to Ekiti people as I plan to take our dear state to another level,”
On partnership with people in the Diaspora, Oyebanji said he knew the worth of Ekitis abroad and how well they could lift the state and that he would not hesitate to factor them in, to raise the bar in Ekiti.
“I know by partnering our brilliant professionals abroad, we can get the best with little resources because they are stakeholders who are willing to contribute their quota,”
Meanwhile, for inclusive participation, Oyebanji also announced his decision to upgrade the existing office for Diaspora matters to a commission. According to him, the step would be taken to strengthening the partnership as well as providing platform for engagement and assessment of those in Diaspora.
“I’m looking forward to exploring the opportunities that will come with government partnership with Ekiti indigenes abroad. Though the current administration believe in them and consult them when the need arises, I know we can still take it further to get the best expertise in various areas with ease. However, I want to appeal to our brothers and sisters abroad to please reach out to their friends and families in Ekiti to vote for us come June 18, so we can win the election and be able to fulfil our wishes, Oyebanji said.