The Sun
A governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Otunba Olumuyiwa Babalola, has unveiled his master plan to reposition the state as Nigeria’s first global innovation hub.
Babalola, a stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration at a media roundtable in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday.
He described his vision for the state as an audacious blueprint designed to leapfrog the status quo and ignite a new era of digital prosperity.
Babalola challenged entrenched assumptions about perceived limitations of the state, promising to bring out the best of it with his wealth of experience across borders.
“They say Ekiti is too small, too rural, too forgotten. I say that is exactly our strategic advantage. The 21st century belongs to regions that dare to reimagine themselves without permission.”
Babalola disclosed that he would
leveraging his extensive diplomatic and international development background for an aggressive rollout of tech incubators, education-to-innovation pipelines, and global investment coalitions, “all underpinned by Ekiti’s storied intellectual capital and untapped youth energy.”
He assured that his roadmap aligns seamlessly with a broader transformative agenda, which includes a N20,000 monthly stipend for the unemployed and the assertive push for what he described as the South Agenda in Ekiti State.
“We’re not here to catch up-we’re here to set the pace. Just as Rwanda became East Africa’s digital capital, Ekiti will become West Africa’s beacon of innovation. And this time, no one will be left behind.”
He said his campaign slogan, “Ekiti to the World. South to the Front” now resonates with deeper intent, even as he invites citizens to participate in a generational leap.
“To those who believe greatness must be imported, I offer a simple counterpoint. The future will be built in Ekiti, or it won’t be built at all.”
