Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has hailed the remarkable strides recorded by the state in the 30 years of its creation.

Mr Oyebanji, in a state-wide broadcast to commemorate the anniversary, said the state had encountered several challenges and unpleasant experiences but had reasons to celebrate its three-decade milestone.

He noted that despite being among the last set of states created in the country and receiving one of the lowest allocations from the Federation Account, Ekiti had surpassed many contemporary states, including some richer states, in critical human development indices.

Ekiti was created on October 1, 1996, alongside Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Gombe, Nasarawa and Zamfara states by the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

Mr Oyebanji said the creation followed years of struggle by eminent citizens, including traditional rulers, legal practitioners, politicians, senior bureaucrats, captains of industry and community leaders under the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State.

The governor said the creation of the state, 30 years ago and 120 years after the Kiriji War, marked the culmination of an epic struggle for self-determination that began with the liberation efforts of Ekiti forebears between 1877 and 1893.

He paid tribute to members of the creation committee, led by Chief Oladeji Fasuan, as well as legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, other traditional rulers and all those who contributed to the struggle.

Mr Oyebanji also commended his predecessors; Col. Inua Bawa, Navy Capt. Atanda Yusuf, Niyi Adebayo, Ayo Fayose, Segun Oni and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and leaders who served during interregnums; Friday Aderemi, Brig.-Gen. Tunji Olurin, Tope Ademiluyi and Tunji Odeyemi.

He described it as humbling, having served as Secretary of the Committee for Ekiti State Creation, and now governor as the state marked 30 years.

The governor said his administration remained committed to the vision of the founding fathers for an industrialised Ekiti where private sector investment, enterprise and productivity would drive prosperity.

He unveiled the anniversary theme, “Ekiti at 30; Celebrating the Past and Creating the Future,” and announced plans to use the milestone as launchpad for a 30-year transformation agenda.

He said the ongoing multi-billion-naira Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ) project was designed as a technological park and economic ecosystem to support the innovative and creative potential of young people.

He expressed optimism that in the next three decades, Ekiti would evolve from a predominantly civil service state into a technology hub and major commercial centre for international trade and commerce, adding that the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) would also commence soon.

Mr Oyebanji urged residents to participate actively in the activities marking the anniversary, including a conversation with Ekiti youths on October 7 at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado-Ekiti.

He said the engagement would provide an opportunity to remember the past with gratitude, assess the present honestly and approach the future with confidence and determination.

He urged residents to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the January 16, 2027, election in appreciation of what he described as the support enjoyed by the state under his administration.

 (NAN)