Governor Oyebanji Unveils Ekiti’s Innovation Hub to Power Economic Transformation 

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated the “Ekiti Startup Garage,” a groundbreaking tech hub poised to address the state’s economic challenges through technological innovation. In his speech at the launch, Governor Oyebanji commended the innovation team for their outstanding work, emphasizing that the youth of Ekiti State would receive full support from his administration. He assured them that funding would not be a barrier to their success, highlighting his commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators.

Governor Oyebanji also called on the youth to seize the opportunities presented by the hub and to use them to drive the state’s economic progress. He announced that elements of the technologies developed would be integrated into the school curriculum across all levels, starting from primary education. This initiative is part of his broader strategy to “catch them young” and nurture future innovators who can contribute to Ekiti’s development. The governor stressed that one of the key reasons for creating the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy was to translate knowledge into wealth, ensuring that the state’s economic growth is driven by homegrown solutions. To officially mark the launch, Governor Oyebanji signed a canvas, symbolizing his approval and commitment to the success of the Ekiti Startup Garage.

The exhibition showcased several innovations developed by students from Ekiti State University (EKSU) and the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), particularly from the computer science and engineering departments. These innovations are expected to have significant impacts across various sectors of the state’s economy.

One notable innovation is a walking staff designed for the blind,which aims to enhance mobility and independence for visually impaired individuals. This tool represents a significant step forward in making Ekiti State more inclusive and supportive of its vulnerable populations, ensuring that advancements in technology benefit all citizens.

In the agricultural sector, a scarecrow machine was introduced.This modernized approach to pest control is set to increase agricultural productivity by providing farmers with an efficient way to protect their crops. By adopting such innovations, Ekiti State is positioning itself as a leader in agricultural innovation, which is crucial for boosting food security and supporting local farmers.

The exhibition also featured a Virtual Reality (VR) simulator designed for both security training and tourism enhancement. The VR simulator provides law enforcement with realistic training scenarios while also offering potential tourists immersive experiences that could attract more visitors to Ekiti. This dual-purpose tool highlights the state’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve both safety and economic growth.

Waste management in Ekiti is set to be revolutionized with the introduction of smart dustbins that open automatically when they detect nearby movement. This innovation promises to make waste disposal more efficient and hygienic, contributing to cleaner streets and a healthier environment. It’s a significant step towards modernizing the state’s infrastructure and public services.

The tech hub also unveiled a smart house system that allows residents to control household functions electronically. This innovation is part of a broader push towards smarter, more sustainable living in Ekiti, aligning with global trends in urban development and positioning the state as a forward-thinking community.

In the power sector, a transmission fault detector was showcased. This device is designed to quickly identify and resolve electrical faults, ensuring a more reliable power supply. By improving the efficiency of the power grid, Ekiti can support both residential and industrial growth, which is vital for the state’s economic stability.

To address traffic management challenges, an IoT-based traffic management system was introduced. This system is capable of monitoring and reducing traffic violations, which will contribute to safer roads across Ekiti. The integration of IoT technology into traffic management reflects the state’s commitment to using modern solutions to enhance public safety and infrastructure.

The state’s commitment to renewable energy was highlighted with the presentation of a smart solar system connected directly to solar panels. This innovation supports the transition to sustainable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy costs. It also positions Ekiti as a leader in renewable energy adoption, which is critical for long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

Finally, an aerial surveillance robot controllable via smartphone was exhibited. This advanced technology is set to improve security and monitoring capabilities across Ekiti, providing authorities with a powerful tool to maintain public safety. The deployment of such technology stresses the state’s proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Following the governor’s address, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, Hon. Seun Fakuade, praised Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering support. Fakuade described the hub as Ekiti’s equivalent of Silicon Valley and outlined plans to establish similar hubs in all state universities. This initiative, he explained, aims to transform Ekiti into Nigeria’s leading center for talent and innovation, driving economic progress and prosperity.

International partners who participated in the grand opening online, including Rob Bentley from Cyberspace USA and Dr. Wole Odetayo, lauded the governor’s efforts and encouraged continued innovation. Joshua Adedeji, Country Lead for Young Innovators UK, also commended the initiative, expressing optimism about the ongoing collaboration with Ekiti.

With the launch of this hub it is obvious that the electioneering promises of the Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of prosperity for all will be achieved and the state’s education status translated to wealth.