On Monday the Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi says his administration has taken steps to ensure more contribution from Ekiti people in Diaspora to the development of their homeland.
The governor says indigenes of the state, resident out of the country are important to the realisation of the development agenda of his administration.
Fayemi made the assertions while declaring open the Southwest Summit of Diaspora Focal Point Officers held in Ado Ekiti on Monday explained
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, Fayemi disclosed that Ekiti does not only need money from its successful indigenes in Diaspora but also their connections, competencies, equipment and goodwill to complement government efforts.
The Governor explained that his administration has created a Diaspora Forum, Ekiti Diaspora Chamber of Commerce and Ekiti Diaspora Business Register to leverage resources from successful indigenes abroad to give the state a lift in all sectors.
He stressed that Nigeria and states have continued to mobilise the private sector, development partners and philanthropists to join hands with governments to uplift the standard of living of the people.
Fayemi disclosed that the Ekiti in Diaspora Homecoming hosted in 2019 has started yielding dividends in terms of investment and technical support in the key sectors of the state
He said: “There is the need to secure the support of our indigenes across the length and breadth of the globe. These are our people in Diaspora. They have made their marks in their various countries of residence.
“This is why we are here today to consider ways and means of harnessing Diaspora Remittances for our development.
“Let me use this occasion to make a clarion call to Ekiti and our Southwest people in Diaspora to join hands with our respective state governments in bringing about the needed development.”
