Ekiti at 30: Stakeholders call for unity, citizen action and stronger development push

Stakeholders in Ekiti State have used the state's 30th anniversary to call for closer cooperation among citizens, political leaders and other groups as Ekiti considers its next phase of development. The appeal came during a public hearing organised by the Ekiti State House of Assembly as part of activities marking three decades since the state was created on October 1, 1996.

Participants at the hearing included former political officeholders, lawmakers, academics, technocrats, traditional stakeholders and other residents. Speakers pointed to progress recorded over the years in areas including infrastructure, education, economic development and human capital, while also arguing that more work is needed to expand opportunities, attract investment and improve prosperity across the state.

Former Ekiti State governor Segun Oni said the state had recorded notable stability and development during its first 30 years. He urged residents to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration and contribute to the state's development. Oni also argued that achievements already recorded should serve as a foundation for a more ambitious development programme capable of improving living standards.

Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye said the anniversary hearing was intended to assess the state's journey, identify continuing challenges and gather practical ideas for the future. According to him, proposals and resolutions from the exercise are expected to contribute to the legislative agenda of the Seventh Assembly and provide guidance for future lawmakers. Areas highlighted for consideration included education, agriculture, healthcare, technology, employment, infrastructure, tourism, good governance, environmental sustainability and citizen participation.

Keynote speaker Tope Adebayo said the state's development should not be measured only by the successful individuals it has produced, but also by how widely opportunities are available to citizens. He said successive governments had contributed to Ekiti's growth and urged the current generation to strengthen the foundations already established while building an economy capable of creating sustainable opportunities for the future.

Other speakers also focused on governance and economic development. Former Deputy Speaker Karounwi Oladapo stressed the importance of cooperation between the executive and legislative arms, while Finance Commissioner Akin Oyebode highlighted economic diversification and increased resources for development. Ekiti State University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatola Ayodele also emphasised active citizenship, arguing that residents should participate directly in the state's development rather than remain observers.