FG approves establishment of additional ICT hub in Ekiti

…as Vice President Shettima inaugurates 3rd Expanded National MSME Clinics in Ekiti

The Federal Government on Thursday announced plans to establish an Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub in Ekiti State in addition to the newly inaugurated MSME Clinics Garment Hub in a bid to further enhance economic growth in the state.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetima disclosed this in Ado Ekiti on Thursday while declaring open the 3rd Expanded National MSME Clinics at Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado-Ekiti. He said the project would be completed within 90 days.

The Vice President revealed that the new ICT hub was in honour of the request made by Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the creation of an ICT hub during his last visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking about the MSME Clinics, the Vice President said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s efforts at resuscitating the country’s economy and promoting an economically friendly environment, in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s electioneering promises.

He disclose that the President had also approved the payment of 150,000 naira grant to 365 outstanding beneficiaries of the MSMEs at the Ekiti Fashion and Garment hub.

While acknowledging the support of South West region for the emergence of President Tinubu as President of Nigeria, the Vice President remarked that President Tinubu’s led-Federal Government has shown zeal and passion to set Nigeria on the path of prosperity.

“The future of work isn’t just about acquiring skills, the future of work is about cultivating a sustainable ecosystem where people can consistently learn and re-learn skills in demand, the world as we know it evolves every day and so should we. This is why we are here today in Ado Ekiti to fulfil the promises we have made to the people, and there is no nobler way to appeal to the Land of Honour and integrity than by ensuring that we not only expand the labour markets but also supporting skills”

”Governor Oyebanji visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja for a briefing on preparation for the launch of the MSME clinic and took the opportunity to request for the establishment of another ICT facility in Ado Ekiti, I have conveyed his request to the President who has graciously approved the creation of an additional ICT hub which will be completed within 90 days”

“President Tinubu has also directed me to ensure that all outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at the clinic today received a grant of 150,000 naira each. Said the Vice President, who also praised the Governor for being development-focused and for his inclusive governance style.

In his own remark, Ekiti state Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji expressed his profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for Ekiti State and for the establishment of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the state, the initiative which according to the Governor would bolster the state’s economic growth by providing essential service and resources to local entrepreneur and small business owners.

He revealed that the MSME clinic remains a testament to the President’s commitment to empowering grassroots business and thereby fostering sustainable economic development in the country

Governor Oyebanji who noted that access to opportunities has been the major challenge of Ekiti people, lauded the President Tinubu’s led-Federal Government for providing various developmental platforms for the of the state which was in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

Highlighting various achievements of the administration in the last one and half years which include, the construction of over 126 kilometres of roads, renovation of 11 general hospitals, reconnection of more than 50 communities back to power grid, intervention in Agriculture sector, among others, the Governor maintained that he will continue to partner with the federal government, development partners and individuals who can help him realize the shared prosperity agenda of his government

“Please sir, convey our deepest appreciation to Mr President, Mr President has been a father indeed, everything he promised us when he came here during the campaign is fulfilling them as we stand here today, Your Excellency, we are constructing over 216 kilometres of roads across Ekiti State , we are intervening in the health sector, we are renovating 11 general hospital across the state, we have connected more than 50 communities that had not had electricity for the past 15 to 16 years, we have revamp our agric centres.

“the only challenge we have and which has been a very big headeach for me is to provide access and opportunities for our private sectors players and the informal sector and you are here today to do that, am extremely grateful sir”. The Governor asserted.

Earlier, the Vice President had commissioned the newly constructed Omisanjana- Deeper Life- Ajebandele Road as well as the MSME clinics Garment Hub. He also visited the Adire Ekiti Hub where he was taken round the workshop by the Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji.

The Vice President had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe where the Ewi received him in Council and prominent leaders of the town as well as representatives of the state council of traditional rulers.

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake and Permanent Secretary State House, Engr Funso Adebiyi accompanied the Vice President on the visit.

The Vice President was received at the Akure airport by the state Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye. He later boarded a chopper which landed at the Ekiti State Government House at around 12 noon.