The Convener of Ekiti Future Agenda (EFA), a nonpartisan and nongovernmental cross-generational organization, Adesina Adetola has said that the idea of the forthcoming EFA Roundtable and Awards 2024, holding on Thursday, 29th February in Ekiti State’s capital, Ado-Ekiti, is to redirect the thoughts and actions of the current generation towards the values that distinguished Ekiti people while consolidating on the ideals of Ekiti founding fathers.
The Roundtable is primarily a conversation on development of Ekiti State with the main aim and objectives of serving as a rendezvous of ideas and strategies towards development of Ekiti State in all areas.
Therefore, providing a platform for Ekiti stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to rub minds and fashion out way forward for the State in all areas.
Adesina said: “This is by giving opportunities to Ekiti people, irrespective of their political affiliations, educational backgrounds, religion sentiments and social statuses to propose possible suggestions to the government of the day for the development of the State, not leaving out space for constructive and unbiased criticism devoid of hatred and personal interest.
“The focus on the Knowledge Zone is very necessary, we need to ask curious questions on what the zone is offering. I talked to a good number of people in and outside the government, most of them are ignorant of what the zone all about.
“I can recollect that in 2008, I published a book, Ekiti Kete: The Value, the Virtue and the Vision. Therein, I proposed that Ekiti could be the Silicon Valley of Nigeria and by extension Africa, this is based on our antecedents in education, academics and knowledge-driven ideas. This event is in continuation of that initiatives. Thank God, the current government is thinking in that direction and is leaving no stone unturned to make it a reality. “
The Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade is leading the discourse and we be supported by Otunba Taiwo Ojo and Aare Tope Amerijoye.
Also complementing the purpose of the event, Ekiti Future Agenda is also giving Awards to emerging leaders and inspiring individuals in different categories and also have investiture of 20 Ekiti leading rights and role models into Ekiti Future Agenda Hall of Fame. This includes the Governor of the State, Biodun Oyebanji.