By Emmanuel Onwusoro, Ado-Ekiti
A former Minister of Health and an industrialist, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi has said that one of the ways of attracting both domestic and foreign investors to Ekiti State is through the availability of an operational airport.
The pharmacy buff made the observation at the 28th convocation of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, EKSU , where he was conferred with Honorary Doctorate of Law.
Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi who is the founder and chairman of Juli Pharmacy Plc, explained that a functional airport will open up businesses and attract investors. He urged the Ekiti State government to fast-track work on the completion of the State’s airport.
The former minister who is an indigene of the State said he flew from Lagos to Akure for 30 minutes, pointing out that it was the same way 65% of those who flew from Lagos to Akure were coming to Ekiti state.
He decried the absence of an airport in Ekiti State, despite that it is a very well endowed state. “The governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, should prioritize the issue of the airport because if the airport is open, it will open up opportunities for networking, businesses and also investments from investors”.
According to him, governor Oyebanji is an embodiment of humility who can equally confront challenges with positive outcome.
The industrialist also advocated the learning of indigenous language in Universities. “The challenge of this university is the understanding of our language. Why can’t we learn our own language?”
“In India, Japan, they learn their own languages. Why can’t we learn Ekiti dialect in this Institution? We should do something about it”
The Chancellor of EKSU, Dr Tunji Olowolafe announced a one-billion naira innovation fund to boost the operation of agricultural technology which is already in operation in the university.
He explained that the innovation fund is aimed at agro-tech companies founded by graduates and students of the university, adding that agriculture remains the mainstay of Nigeria.
“Agriculture stands as the backbone of the nation and is the greatest potential for innovation and economic prosperity for us in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
The week-long event ended with the graduation of 155 students in the college of postgraduate studies, comprising 73 Ph. D. students, 81 Masters students and 1 Post-Graduate Diploma student.
