By Dele Ogbodo
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its integrated national financing framework phase two project.
The programme is being executed with the support of the European Union (EU) to continue the implementation of the Nigerian Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS).
Ekiti State is one of the beneficiaries of the NICPS and between Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 March 2024, a 3-Day workshop on the NICPS was held in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital for relevant government agencies in the state.
The programme focuses on supporting states to demonstrate competence in providing complete, accurate and relevant information promptly, ability of the state to provide information on needed infrastructure for investment purposes.
It also emphasizes packaging all the information in a ready-to-use format while offering professional support systems to potential and existing investors.
Ultimately, the training will build capacity of relevant state’s MDAs to strategically promote, attract and manage investments.
Declaring the workshop open, the Governor of Ekuti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, said the training of relevant stakeholders in their drive to attract investment is timely and could not have come at a better time when the country is meticulously looking at alternative sources of fund to finance developmental projects
She indicated that the Biodun Oyebanji led administration is creating a vibrant and conducive investment landscape that would attract businesses, generate jobs and improve the lives of all Ekiti residents.
The training which became relevant in line with the Federal government’s drive to boost revenue through investments is set to make Ekiti State an investment hub and friendly State.
Giving an overview of the objectives of the workshop and what stakeholders are expected to do that would benefit the state on improving the investment climate and potential, the consultants said the NICPS initiative aims to strengthen Ekiti’s investment promotion infrastructure and equip the state with needed capacity to put together the information required by investors to make informed investment decisions with regard to location.
The participants were confident that by working together with relevant authorities, they were ready to diversify the economy of the state through promotion of industrialisation, trade and commerce to fight poverty, hunger and unemployment.
Economically, Ekiti State has the potential to attract FDI into the agriculture value chain for crops like yam, rice, cocoa and cassava as well as minor industries like logging and tourism.
Ekiti also has the highest number of Ph.Ds per capital in Nigeria, demonstrating a commitment to education and knowledge.
The State is a hidden gem for ecotourism, featuring breathtaking attractions such as Ikogosi warm springs resort, Arinta waterfalls, Olosunta hills and Ise-Ekiti Museum among others.
This EU supported partnership aims to create a friendly investment environment, stimulate job creation and strategically advance sustainable development goals.
