Tope Adebayo: Ekiti Must Develop Economy for Future Generations' Prosperity

A legal expert and former contender for the Ekiti State governorship, Tope Adebayo, has underscored the critical need for the current generation in the state to establish an economic framework capable of providing sustained opportunities for those yet to come. Speaking at an event marking Ekiti State’s 30th anniversary, Adebayo acknowledged the achievements of past administrations, which he noted had followed the vision of the state's founders, but emphasized the necessity of reinforcing the foundations laid over the last three decades.

Adebayo, who serves on the State Economic Management Team inaugurated by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in 2023, delivered a keynote address on Saturday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. The programme was organized by the Ekiti State House of Assembly. He challenged the state to advance towards an economic model that guarantees every citizen a genuine chance to thrive.

He articulated his vision, stating, “The next chapter of Ekiti’s development should be defined by a transition from a ‘Land of Honour’ to a ‘Land of Opportunity,’ where education, skills, infrastructure and entrepreneurship are deliberately connected to jobs, markets, investment and wealth creation.” Adebayo further explained that “The ultimate measure of the state’s development should not be the number of successful people it has produced, but how many more people can have the opportunity to become successful.” He concluded this point by stressing that “The responsibility before the present generation is to strengthen those foundations and create an economy capable of sustaining opportunities for generations yet unborn.”

The former governorship aspirant acknowledged the diverse contributions of successive governments to Ekiti's growth. He reflected, “An insightful reflection on our history is to recognise that the task of state-building is a continuum. One administration lays a foundation; another builds upon it. One strengthens the structure while another comes along with a mandate for expansion.” He characterized the 30th anniversary as a moment to recognize that the present Ekiti is “the cumulative product of the sacrifices, policies, ideas and institutions built by successive governments and by citizens who have served this state in different capacities.”

Adebayo specifically lauded the Oyebanji administration for its commendable accomplishments, noting that the government’s efforts have led to “improvements in fiscal transparency and audit performance; reported progress in internally generated revenue, investment in roads and transport infrastructure,” among other initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of Ekiti residents and the state’s business climate. He further commended Governor Oyebanji’s focus on consolidating existing progress, amplifying impact, and fortifying systems for long-term sustainable development.

He advocated for enhanced cooperation among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as traditional institutions, the private sector, and citizens, asserting that development can only be sustained when these entities collaborate while upholding their constitutional roles. Adebayo also praised the leadership of the State House of Assembly for strengthening the legislative arm, highlighting improvements such as the remodelling of the Assembly complex and the digitalization of legislative processes.