Biodun Oyebanji champions Ekiti’s rise as Nigeria’s top investment hub, citing bold reforms, infrastructure and ease of doing business

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has once again spotlighted the state as Nigeria’s rising star in investment and development, using his keynote at the 2025 Marketing Edge Awards to make a compelling pitch to both local and international investors.

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Represented by his Chief of Staff, Adeniyi Adebayo, the Governor described Ekiti as an emerging economic hub, underpinned by strategic infrastructure projects, progressive policies, and effective communication.

Speaking on the theme of the awards, Oyebanji underscored how marketing communications serve as a vital bridge between governance and the people.

Drawing on his early years in banking, he stressed the power of honest messaging in shaping public trust and economic outcomes.

Citing new figures, he noted that Nigeria’s advertising market hit ₦605.2 billion in 2023, with projections estimating growth to ₦893 billion by 2028, a remarkable CAGR of 18.7% since 2018.

The governor remarked that these figures likely understate the industry’s true value, especially when considering PR, social media influencing, and sponsorships.

Oyebanji credited strategic communication as a cornerstone of his governance model, stating that real impact only comes through results—not propaganda.

His administration’s focus, he explained, has been more on community engagement than media blitzes.

Central to Ekiti’s transformation is the completion of the Ekiti International Agro-Allied Airport, now ready for commercial operations following successful test flights.

Over 200 kilometres of rural roads and 131 kilometres of urban roads have also been completed, including the Ekiti Ring Road Phase 1, which is designed to unlock economic access across the state.

On electricity, the governor acknowledged that private sector confidence hinges on reliable power.

His government has since reconnected communities neglected for over a decade and launched an Independent Power Project targeting government buildings.

He also established the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau and partnered with SPIN to improve transmission infrastructure.

Ekiti’s reform-driven environment has earned it the title of best-performing state in the Southwest for ease of doing business.

Through the Ekiti Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), the state offers tax holidays, one-stop investor support, free business registration, and credit guarantees—particularly in agriculture.

Governor Oyebanji identified agriculture, the knowledge economy, and tourism as the pillars of Ekiti’s future.

The state boasts Nigeria’s largest cassava farm and has begun building the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, a smart city funded with $8 million, aimed at nurturing ICT and creative enterprises.

Tourism is also taking shape with the revitalisation of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, now under private management, and the ongoing development of a world-class arts and culture centre that will house a film village, crafts hub, and cinema.

In a heartfelt appeal, Oyebanji invited professionals in the marketing communications space to join hands in rebranding Ekiti for global audiences.

He paid special tribute to Chief John Ajayi, publisher of Marketing Edge Magazine, for championing the industry and creating a credible national platform.

Ending on a bold note, Oyebanji reaffirmed that Ekiti is ready for business.

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With structures now in place to support serious investors, he called on the private sector to seize the moment across agriculture, tourism, and technology, pledging his government’s full backing to drive sustainable growth.

Source: Read more at vanguardngr.com