Adebayo Adenrele
…harps on PPP as Catalyst for Economic Development, Growth
In line with the administration’s governance agenda, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has signed five new laws, following their passage by the state House of Assembly.
The signing of the new laws, in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, came barely five days after the Governor signed three laws at a brief ceremony on the last day of the sixth Assembly.
The statement reads, “In line with the administration’s Governance agenda, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has signed five new laws, following their passage by the state House of Assembly.
“The signing of the new laws came barely five days after the Governor signed three laws at a brief ceremony on the last day of the sixth Assembly.
“The newly signed laws are:
*Ekiti State local Government staff loans board law, 2023,
*Ekiti State Fire Service Law. 2023,
*Ekiti State Wealth and Fund Law, 2023,
*Ekiti State Local Government Administration Law, 2023.
*Yoruba language preservation and promotion law 2023.
“Governor Oyebanji restates his administration’s commitment to promoting good governance through relevant legislations and policies that have direct impact on the people.”
Also, the Ekiti State Government has revealed plans to establish a bureau of tourism development that would focus mainly on harnessing and developing the state’s tourism potentials and make Ekiti number one destination of choice for tourists, in its efforts to advance economic development through tourism,
Oyebanji said his administration would partner with tourism development operators that would help develop its local tourism sites in an effort to drive its shared prosperity agenda for the people.
Governor Oyebanji, while receiving a team from the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) led by its President, Ime Udo, in his office said tourism development remains a key component of his administration’s six- pillar development agenda would be separated from the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism as currently structured and would become a stand alone Bureau of Tourism, positioning the sector for thorough supervision and the right attention.
He added that his government had designated Ikogosi, Ipole-Iloro and Efon-Alaaye as tourism corridors of the state, adding that the state is also planning to build a Zoological Garden in the same axis as other interesting tourists sites would also be developed.
According to him, “Let me assure you of our partnership with your tourism organization. Tourism development is one of the six pillars we are working with and it’s not accidental because I know the importance of tourism development as a government, we are going to sever it from the Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism, its going to stand alone because I want the head to report to me directly, I don’t want it to be encumbered with the civil service protocol. We are going to have a bureau for tourism with a Director-General.
“We are deliberate in Ekiti state to ensure that we develop our economy and tourism is a sector that had been neglected for a very long time because it belongs to the soft side of development. People actually don’t realize that tourism has very huge potential to drive prosperity, employment, and development.
“The experiment in Ikogosi has worked when the state partners with the private sectors, we are excited with what is going on in Ikogosi and we are providing infrastructure for them to ensure that they are able to make profit because they are still investing.”
In a similar development, Governor Oyebanji has called on government at all levels to key into the available Public Private Partnership(PPP) initiatives in the system, describing it as the most potent catalyst to develop the economy and bring prosperity.
Oyebanji said his government, had in an attempt to boost business interests in the state, introduced simplified tax system and other friendly policies to strengthen investments in the agriculture, mining, technology, manufacturing, commerce and industrial sectors.
Oyebanji stated this at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, during the 63rd Annual General Meeting /Inauguration of the new National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Themed: “Promoting Public-Private Partnership for National Development”, Oyebanji stated that the PPP is a bridge connecting the government to the private sector, where the two sides pulled their financial and mental resources together to fasttrack investments for economic prosperity.
Oyebanji added that it was in line with its commitment to propel investments, that the government of Ekiti State established the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA).
In his words, “To stimulate investment through PPPs, the state has also introduced incentives like Waiver of business premises registration fees for the first year of operation in Ekiti State. Reduction of the Right of Way (RoW) fees for the laying of telecommunication optic fiber cables from an initial N4,500 per linear meter to N145.
“We also introduced simplified Tax payments and remittances through the e-filling system. Easy access to land by Private Investors and ensuring accelerated processing of Titles and other related documents e.g. C-of-O, letter of consent etc.;Automation of PAYE registration;Introduction of Online Payment for Construction Permits.
” I would like to reiterate the importance of PPPs for sustainable National Development and that Ekiti State is committed to promoting Public-Private Partnerships for its development. The government alone cannot achieve all the aspirations of our people, and thus, collaboration with the private sector becomes crucial.
” Ekiti State is open for business, and we invite all investors, both domestic and international, to explore the vast opportunities that exist within our borders. Together, let us build a prosperous and inclusive future, transforming the landscape of Ekiti State and Nigeria”
