Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has commenced talks with federal agencies and development partners in Abuja to boost the economy of the state.

Oyebanji, who met with top officials of NIRSAL MFB and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), on Tuesday, said he was in the nation’s capital to personally lead the talks with heads of the federal MDAs, international development agencies, and some private sectors on areas of support and collaboration with the administration.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, the governor, said the support of the agencies would aid his administration’s plan to boost the economic prosperity of the people of Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji, in separate meetings with the Managing Director of NIRSAL MFB, Abubakar Kure, and Director General of SMEDAN, Olawale Fasanya, said he was convinced that the state’s fortune will improve through strategic partnership with agencies.

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He said the state government would ensure conducive atmosphere for small and medium scale businesses to thrive, while also attracting big business concerns to invest in the state.

He stated that the focus of his administration was how Ekiti people, known for their educational attainment, can deploy their knowledge to create wealth, adding that his administration would leave no stone unturned in seeking opportunities for its teeming youth population to get employed and be able to set up businesses.

“I know if we are able to develop our SMEs, IGR will improve and life of the people will improve,” Oyebanji said, urging the agencies to support agriculture and cooperatives in the state.

Speaking at one of the meetings, Kure said the financial institution would provide funds for the state to handle youth unemployment.

The NIRSAL MFB boss, who highlighted several schemes the state can access, urged the governor to also ensure beneficiaries also meet their repayment obligation.

On his part, Fasanya said SMEDAN was ready to partner with Ekiti State, adding: “Majority of the population are farmers and traders, artisan, so we have a lot to support.”

He added that SMEDAN could assist with the sourcing of materials, and business support services.

The Star