The Government of Ekiti State has sought the collaboration of the Government of People’s Republic of China in the areas of investment, agriculture, mining, power, tourism, education and innovation.
While receiving the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing and her team at the Government House, Ado- Ekiti., the Governor of the State, Biodun Oyebanji stated that his administration remains committed to partnership and business engagement with global investors in developing the critical sectors of the state’s economy.
According to the Governor, the aim of leveraging China’s expertise and resources is to drive growth across various sectors and ensure all round development of the state.
Expressing optimism about potential collaboration with China, Oyebanji said the collaboration is expected to focus on key areas which include agriculture, investment, mining, power sector, education, science and innovation among others.
He also noted that the state shares the same vision of developing her citizens as China does, and eager to see more Chinese companies and investment in the state, in order to create an friendly eco-system and employment in the state.
“We are looking for credible partners and countries to collaborate with. In Ekiti State, there are opportunities in agriculture both green and brown field investment, there is opportunity in mining, there is opportunities in the power sector; electricity generation. We have a law now that allows us to generate and distribute electricity, only three states in the country have that status and Ekiti is one of them. There is opportunity in tourism, in culture because Ekiti is highly endowed.
“We are also looking forward to collaborating in areas of education and innovation. One of our flagship projects is the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, which is our own answer to creating wealth for our people. I would be looking forward to signing MOU with some of your companies so that we can take it up from there. In fairness we share the same vision with you to develop our people, to create an eco system of peace, to create employment for our people, to make life worthwhile to Ekiti people.”
In her remarks, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing commended the Governor for his efforts in ensuring every sector of the state’s economic is developed.
While assuring the state of the cooperation of the People’s Republic of China, Ms Yuqing said China and Nigeria have a lot in common, as she is eager to see further collaboration with the State beyond construction, stressing that agriculture, education, trade and business development, and innovation are some of the areas China is ready to collaborate with the state.
