The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has lauded the contributions of the Technical Adviser on Green Economy and Ecological Matters, Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha, describing him as one of the finest brains driving quality service delivery and fostering inclusive governance in the state.
Governor Oyebanji gave the commendation during the official disbursement of N1.45 billion in compensation to 195 persons whose livelihoods were affected by the implementation of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) projects. The event, held at the Conference Hall Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti, was a convergence of beneficiaries, stakeholders, and government officials.
The Governor who publicly acknowledged the exceptional role played by Dr. Akinyugha in mediating between the government and affected communities, ensuring peaceful engagement, mutual understanding, and the seamless execution of the Knowledge Zone initiative ordered a rearrangement of the high table to provide a seat of honour for the Technical Adviser, saying he had earned it through merit and diligence.This symbolic gesture drew applause, as the Technical Adviser was earlier covertly sitting at the back of the Hall, with other staff where he was seriously attending to some records and documentations.
Speaking of the Character and competence of the Technical Adviser, Governor Oyebanji said “When you appoint competent people into positions, you don’t carry much burdens,” Oyebanji declared. “Dr. Akinyugha is one appointee that, when I give him an assignment, I close my eyes. Because Yemi will not come back with complaints until the job is done.”
The Governor stressed that the Knowledge Zone project is pivotal to the state’s developmental blueprint, with its promise to tackle unemployment, promote creativity, foster wealth creation, and accelerate human capital development. He emphasized that such ambitious undertakings require capable hands, and Akinyugha had consistently proven to be one of the most dependable pillars of his administration.
Dr. Akinyugha’s involvement, according to insiders, has been central to the conflict resolution strategies deployed around the Knowledge Zone implementation. His reputation for blending professionalism with a community-first approach has earned him accolades among stakeholders, including traditional rulers and community representatives.
Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the African Development Bank and the Federal Government for their collaborative support, which he said lifted significant financial burdens off the state in actualizing the Knowledge Zone and its accompanying infrastructure, such as the Ekiti International Cargo Airport and the ongoing ring road project.
He also commended the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) for effectively coordinating the Knowledge Zone initiative. The agency, led by Mrs. Lolade Olutola, was lauded for upholding the government’s mantra of transparency, inclusion, and community engagement throughout the process.
“The success of this project is a testament to what focused leadership, community collaboration, and skilled technocrats can achieve,” Oyebanji remarked. “No community or person will be left behind in our quest for sustainable development.”
The Governor further applauded the peaceful conduct of the affected individuals and their willingness to embrace dialogue over confrontation. He emphasized that his administration would continue to provide alternative means of livelihood to any persons or groups whose economic activities may be disrupted by government development initiatives.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic dividends, assuring that every community across Ekiti will benefit from inclusive governance and infrastructural growth driven by smart, responsible, and responsive policies.
Oyebanji who reiterated that the state’s current pace of transformation is achievable due to the concerted efforts of visionary appointees like Dr. Akinyugha, said with the Ekiti Knowledge Zone gaining momentum as a flagship innovation hub in Nigeria’s southwest, the spotlight on individuals like Akinyugha signifies a growing appreciation for technocratic excellence in governance.
Oyebanji thanked the community leaders and the affected people for working out modalities for peace mechanism , embracing dialogue and giving space for the development projects in the state noting that the facilities around the zone including the International Cargo Airport, the ring road among others would spur the state to rapid growth.
The Governor thanked the African Development Bank and the Federal Government for lifting the financial burden of the projects from the state government.
Oyebanji who thereafter applauded the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, EKDIPA for overseeing the projects, assured the people that all communities in the state will continue to enjoy dividends of democracy.
Also, the Governor applauded the Project coordinator of Ekiti Knowledge zone and Director General EKDIPA Mrs Lolade Olutola, saying that they have done a yeoman’s job and had critically been representing the transparency and inclusion mantra of the government towards ensuring that no community and persons are left behind in the development of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Onijan of Ijan-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, described the Knowledge Zone as a complete solution to the economic challenges confronting the state. The monarch was particularly appreciative of Dr. Akinyugha’s mediation and bridge-building between the government and the grassroots.