“EKZ Sod-Turning Confirms State’s Rise As Innovation Hub” – Oyebimpe Rukiat Bello

Tolulope Oke

Miss Oyebimpe Rukiat Bello, has said the official sod-turning ceremony for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) by Vice President Kashim Shettima further reinforced confidence in the state’s emergence as a major innovation hub.

Bello, who had earlier praised the vision and economic prospects of the multi-billion-dollar project, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a major step toward transforming Ekiti into a centre for innovation and youth empowerment.

Speaking after the ceremony held at Ago Araromi, Ado-Ekiti, she said the progress on the project validates the confidence many stakeholders have expressed in the initiative since its conception.

“This is a strong statement that visionary ideas can become reality when there is continuity, leadership and commitment to development,” she said.

“I remember visiting the EKZ site and saying that Ekiti was positioning itself as the home of tech innovators. Seeing the sod-turning ceremony today confirms that the future we envisioned is gradually unfolding.”

Vice President Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, described the EKZ as a project with the potential to become Nigeria’s hub for innovation, research and skill development.

President Tinubu also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for sustaining the initiative, noting that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s drive for technological advancement and youth-focused economic growth.

Governor Oyebanji disclosed that the EKZ would create over 100,000 jobs upon completion and serve as a catalyst for industrial development, technology-driven investment, research and entrepreneurship.

The project is being co-financed by the African Development Bank with an $80 million facility alongside counterpart funding from the Ekiti State Government.

It is expected to host innovation labs, start-up incubators, research centres, training facilities and co-working spaces aimed at attracting local and international technology firms.

Bello described the initiative as one of the boldest human capital and economic development projects currently being undertaken by any state government in Nigeria.

“What makes this project unique is its focus on young people,” she stated. “The Knowledge Zone goes beyond infrastructure. It is about nurturing talent, building ideas and creating opportunities that can keep young Nigerians globally competitive.”

According to her, the project also highlights the importance of continuity in governance and deliberate investment in innovation-driven economies.

She added that projects of such scale would help reduce unemployment, stimulate entrepreneurship and create sustainable opportunities for innovators and business owners.

“This is the kind of development that inspires confidence in the future,” Bello added. “Ekiti is setting a pace many states will eventually look toward in technology, knowledge economy and youth empowerment.”

She expressed optimism that the project would attract investors and technology-driven enterprises into the state while positioning Ekiti as a strategic destination for digital innovation in Africa.

Bello also reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic growth.