In strategic talks with Governor Biodun Oyebanji
The chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr John Olajide, has demonstrated the commitment of his company to partner with the Ekiti state government through a vibrant public-private partnership initiative towards fostering the socio-economic development of the state.
Mr Olajide in the team of the Acting Chargé d’Affaires and United States Consul General in Nigeria, David Green, on a courtesy visit to Governor Biodun Oyebanjiat his office in Ado Ekiti, made the revelation on Tuesday.
He attributed the success of his company’s investments in the state to the support and enabling environment provided by Governor Oyebanji, whom he commended and thanked for his visionary leadership.
Mr Olajide said Cavista Holdings, which is the leading private sector investor in Ekiti state, had transformed the Ikogosi warm spring resorts and was exploring further opportunities in Agbeyewa farms and other sectors.
He added that he was looking forward to having more American investments in Ekiti, especially in the areas of health care, education, agriculture and hospitality, where he said America had the expertise and experience to make a difference.
On his part, the Acting US Consul General, Mr Green, said the purpose of his visit was to identify potential areas of development where the US could lend a hand in enhancing the state’s economic performance.
He noted that the US, as a vital ally of Nigeria, was keen to foster fruitful cooperation with states, especially in the fields of agriculture, health, knowledge economy and others.
Mr Green said he was impressed by the collaborative efforts that were already ongoing between the US and Ekiti state at the government-to-government level, and that he was eager to learn more about the private sector opportunities and how the US could support the economic growth and development of the state.
He also echoed the words of President Joe Biden, who said that “Africa’s success is the world’s success and Nigeria’s success is Africa’s success”.
Responding, Governor Oyebanji thanked the team from the American embassy and Cavista Holdings for deeming Ekiti fit for the partnership for productivity.
He said partnering with the private sector would always promote development in any society, and that his administration was committed to creating a conducive atmosphere for investors to thrive.
Oyebanji stressed that the only way a state could prosper was to invest heavily in productivity, which he said was crucial for prosperity.
The governor also expressed confidence that the collaboration between Ekiti and the US government would produce positive outcomes for the benefit of the people of the state.