The Biodun Oyebanji-led Ekiti State Government has stepped up efforts to support small businesses and strengthen the state’s economy with strategic interventions and funding initiatives.
The State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode made this known at forum in Ado Ekiti.
Oyebode, who played a key role in the establishment of the Lagos State SME Fund, spoke on how similar innovations are being introduced to transform Ekiti’s business landscape.
According to him, the State Government is ramping up support and working through the State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives as well as financial partners such as Bosak Microfinance Bank to improve access to funding for small business owners across the state.
Oyebode stressed that what began as a pilot initiative in Ado Ekiti has now been expanded to other local government areas.
He said a partnership with Access Bank is currently supporting women entrepreneurs across Ekiti.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the government was finalizing plans to launch a ₦1 billion Cooperative Fund dedicated to supporting cooperative societies in the state.
The initiative, he said, will provide affordable financing to boost micro and small enterprises.
The Finance Commissioner said Ekiti State’s collaboration with the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), which led to a $1 million grant will be used to support 10 agricultural cooperatives
“These interventions are concrete examples of Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to growing our economy and empowering the people,” he said.
Addressing public curiosity about the Ekiti Garment Hub, Oyebode clarified that the structure was donated by the Federal Government, and that Governor Oyebanji’s administration has been working tirelessly to fully equip and operationalize the facility.
He urged the public to be patient, assuring that several major projects are at various stages of completion and will begin to deliver results soon.
He also referenced the recent business stakeholders’ forum held on June 30, 2025 in Ado Ekiti, where representatives of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) engaged with local entrepreneurs as the event was part of efforts to remove barriers affecting businesses and create a more investor-friendly environment in the state.
“Our job as a government is to support those creating value,” as businesses grow, they employ more people and increase productivity, leading to more internally generated revenue to fund public services.”
He praised the Ekiti Development and Investment Bureau (EKDIBA) for providing fast-track solutions to business-related issues, allowing entrepreneurs to bypass bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Beyond business funding, the Commissioner noted that the Oyebanji administration has invested over ₦193 billion in infrastructure and social services, including the construction of 30 roads, land clearing for agriculture, renovation of health centers and upgrade of public schools.
These efforts, he stressed, are essential to improving the ease of doing business in the state.
“When roads are accessible, transportation becomes cheaper and goods move faster — that’s how economies grow,” he explained.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Oyebode offered a message of optimism to the people of Ekiti, urging them to remain hopeful, united, and supportive of the government’s development vision.
“This is the first time we’ve had a peaceful transition between governors of the same party in Ekiti,” he said. “Governor Biodun Oyebanji has done so much in a short time, and with continued support, he can achieve even more for our dear state.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
