Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has said the state will collaborate with the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) to bolster its economic growth and development.
Oyebanji, who stated this during the courtesy visit of the CIS Governing Council members to his office on Tuesday, said the collaboration will particularly focus on financial empowerment and transparency.
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the visit and reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the CIS to implement strategic reforms that would propel Ekiti’s economic growth.
He attributed the state’s attractiveness to investors to the strong fiscal policies his administration has put in place, which prioritise transparency and accountability.
The governor further emphasised the need for greater financial literacy, particularly in a state where many retirees face financial difficulties post-office, a problem he attributed to a lack of financial intelligence.
He called for more advocacy and education on stockbroking, underscoring its importance for both state and national prosperity.
“We come from the tradition of reform-minded people,” Governor Oyebanji said.
“We have been rated number one for fiscal transparency, and since assuming office, we’ve consistently ranked among the top states. This reflects our commitment to accountability and good governance.”
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The governor also provided an update on Ekiti’s ongoing infrastructure projects, including the certification of the state’s airport, which is expected to begin commercial flights by July.
With a runway length of 3.2 kilometres, the airport is poised to become one of the best in the country.
Additionally, the state is in the process of procuring an Instrument Landing System (ILS), which will enable night flights and allow aircraft to land under adverse weather conditions.
Governor Oyebanji emphasised that Ekiti, despite its small size, is filled with big ideas.
He expressed confidence that the state’s education system, which boasts the highest per capita PhD holders in the country, would play a significant role in transforming the state’s economy.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the people of Ekiti more productive and prosperous, in line with the state’s six development pillars.
During the meeting, Oluropo Dada, President of the CIS, commended the state government’s fiscal policy, which he noted has played a pivotal role in driving the state’s rapid development and attracting investors.
He highlighted Ekiti’s impressive performance in the Q4 2024 States Fiscal Transparency ranking by BudgIT, where the state ranked first out of the 36 states.
This, according to Dada, is a clear reflection of the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic growth through its six development pillars.
Dada expressed the institute’s willingness to collaborate with the Ekiti State Government in key areas to enhance economic development and the financial empowerment of its citizens.
He proposed the organisation of regular financial literacy programmes targeting government employees, focusing on finance, securities, and investment opportunities.
Furthermore, the CIS President revealed plans to introduce securities and investment-related programmes in Ekiti’s two state-owned universities, as well as an initiative to prepare 1,000 Ekiti undergraduates for CIS qualifying examinations.
This, he explained, would equip the students with the necessary skills and certifications to excel in the investment world.
