By Precious Oham
Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun has tasked local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the various interventions of the State Government to boost business.
The Commissioner spoke on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti at the one-day summit for entrepreneurs organised by A-Z Events Experts with the theme: “Unlocking the Potential In You: A Summit for Entrepreneurs.”
According to Olatunbosun, the government of Biodun Oyebanji has continued to provide the necessary enablement for local entrepreneurs and the young ones to thrive in a friendly environment.
While commending the convener of the event for bringing experienced entrepreneurs to educate and motivate the upcoming ones, he noted that this was possible by virtue of the quality of leadership of the State.
His words, “This is a positive dimension in the state and this is largely due to the quality of leadership we have in the state. People are beginning to have confidence in the leadership. Every society will have the benefit of the kind of leaders they choose for themselves.
“I am very sure Ekiti is not regretting choosing and electing Governor Biodun Oyebanji that has made it possible in terms of provision of infrastructure and necessary enablement to allow our young ones tap into agriculture and small scale businesses, providing necessary logistics in form of grants, particularly the recently release of almost N2billion at very low interest rate for people to annex for businesses.
“I want to commend the convener. This is very encouraging for government to continue to do more, to inject more into the system and provide those facilities not only the people within the state to engage in businesses but to also attract the investment from outside the state and the country. I can assure our people that government will continue to do everything to encourage this kind of summit and forum to encourage our young ones.
“I want to advise the good people of Ekiti State to take advantage of various interventions of government to ensure they empower themselves and tap into the agricultural facilities, the subsidy, loan grants and other areas of opportunities, particularly the local content opportunity that government has given to our local entrepreneurs to participate in the implementation and execution of projects and supplies.
“This is a very good one, particularly looking at the fact that it is private-driven and is like answering the call of the state government in natural response to the activities of the government of Ekiti State particularly on the ease of doing business and providing all the wherewithal that will make our people to prosper and engaging.
“Looking at the character of the convener, I can see the factor of resilience and patriotism on her side. Apart from the fact that she is an entrepreneur, she has called on people to benefit from her wealth of experience and some people who are experts in the area of taxation and business to come and share their views, experiences, challenges and the opportunity they have had in the course of doing business not only in Ekiti State but taking advantage of the environment.”
On her part, Mrs. Folasade Akinrinmola, CEO of A-Z Event Experts said the summit is part of activities to mark its five years anniversary.
Akinrinmola, who was the former Chairman of Gboyin Local Government Area equally noted that the summit is self-sponsored with the aim of giving back to the society.
“I have been in public office over 15 to 20 years. I want everybody to know that life is not all about politics and that you can be a politician and still have other means of livelihood instead of waiting for government positions.
“This summit is an opportunity for me to bring in entrepreneurs that are established. I have brought together entrepreneurs for the upcoming entrepreneurs to learn from them and see how they have been able to do it.
“I have also come back to give back to the society. This is a self-sponsored summit. I believe the younger ones will be able to learn. I have called on people to join me and mentor people. We need mentorship in Ekiti State. We want to encourage mentorship to youths in the state.”
The event equally attracted top government functionaries including the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae, Chairman of Ekiti Internal Revenue Service. Niran Olatona, who delivered a lecture, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, among others.
