Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds has called did a concerted effort and realistic approach to ensure that Ekiti Knowledge Zone achieve its main objectives.
The participants at the Ekiti Future Agenda Roundtable and Awards 2024 on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital unanimously agreed that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the purpose of the Knowledge Zone is ultimately utilized.
Speaking on the theme; Ekiti Knowledge Zone: Its Mission and the Missing Point, the Ekiti Commissioner for Innovation, Technology and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade, who was the Lead Discussant at the event said; “a total amount of about $18 billion has been approved to run the project and it is the project will come to reality in the next two years. The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is expected to generate a revenue of 100million dollars annually.
“More so, the Knowledge Zone is going to be an industrial park, a cluster of innovative ideas, and new generation cum revolutionary economic start-ups that will help to transmit knowledge to money.”
Speaking further, the commissioner affirmed that “With the Knowledge Zone, Ekiti will become the intellectual capital of Nigeria in truth and indeed. In a very nearest future, developers will see Ekiti State as their most resourceful destination point.
More importantly, the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji has put in place startups innovations, finance, academia and other significant research entities which will create economic wealth for Ekiti State. Therefore when the Knowledge Zone is in full operation, it will be a home for people with productive ideas and innovations”
In the same vein, Otunba Taiwo Ojo, an IT expert, innovator and international business man said “all hands must be on deck to ensure that the dream comes to reality. And if the idea is followed with genuineness of mind and intention, Ekiti can get more than $100billion if annually from the Zone. We should be preparing ourselves ahead for this opportunity coming. And one of the ways to prepare ahead for this opportunity is by creating more awareness especially by orientating the youth populace and encourage them towards personal development and skill acquisition.”
Also speaking at the event, another discussant, Aare Temitope Amerijoye expressed his dissatisfaction with the level of poverty in the land and encouraged the government to do more in the areas of job creation for the teeming youths.
Most of the participants who contributed to the discourse were with the opinion that in the contemporary world internet is the heart of business and they unanimously advocated for reliable internet services across communities and settlements in all the 16 local government areas and 19 local council development areas of the State. They also posited that Ekiti sons and daughters home and abroad must take advantage of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and learn skills which will enable them to be functional in the society. More so, the State government needs to review and modify both primary and secondary school curriculum to encourage acquisition of relevant modern skills. As well as introduction of ICT Club in the schools to reinforce the spirit of technology innovations in the young ones.
Meanwhile, welcoming guests and participants to the event, Adesina Adetola, the Convener of Ekiti Future Agenda, the organizers of the event said; the roundtable is designed to provide a platform for Ekiti stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to rub minds and fashion out way forward for the State in all areas.
Some of the highlights of the events are investiture of 20 Ekiti leading lights and role models into Ekiti Future Agenda Hall of Fame and honoring a good number of individuals as emerging leaders and inspiring personalities in different categories.