Sensitisation workshop on Nigerian investment certification program for states in Ekiti state

With its primary objectives to support state’s quest to promote, attract and manage investments , the Nigerian investment certification programme for states NICPS has held a three day workshop on property and marketing standards in Ekiti state

The programme was designed to train relevant MDAs in building their capacity as well as development of smart marketing brochure and websites that will attract massive investments into the state
Declaring the workshop open, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji represented by the Secretary to the state government , Doctor Habibat Adubiaro said the training of relevant stakeholders in investment drive is timely and could not have come at a better time when the country is meticulously looking at alternative sources of income generation
She said the Biodun Oyebanji led administration is creating a vibrant investment landscape that would attract businesses, generate jobs and improve the lives of all Ekiti residents

The training which became relevant in line with the Federal government’s drive to boost revenue through investments is set to make Ekiti state an investment friendly state

Giving an overview of the objectives of the workshop and what stakeholders are expected to do that would benefit the state on improving the investment climate and potential , the consultants said the NICPS initiative aims to strengthen Ekiti’s investment promotion infrastructure and equip the state with needed capacity to put together the information required by investors to make informed investment decisions with regard to location

The consultants trained the participants how to provide adequate and timely information on available resources , infrastructure , economic viability and other adequate information that investors may require to shape their decisions while investing
Topics treated include , improving the investment environment to attract direct investments into the state by Mr John Oseji , Objectives and aims of the NICPS , Review of the standards tools and template by Adewale Adegoke .And , NICPS standards and components , understanding GIS and its application in the property standard by Adejumobi Fashola
And with this workshop, Ekiti state is poised to unlock its vast potentials by improving the investment environment to attract direct investments into the state
The participants are also confident that by working together with relevant authorities , they are ready to diversify the economy through promotion of industrialisation , trade and commerce , to fight poverty , hunger and unemployment
The Nigerian investment promotion commission is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme UNDP , under its Integrated National Financing framework phase two project , with the support of the European Union to execute the continuous implementation of the Nigerian investment certification programme for states , of which Ekiti state is one of the beneficiaries
Economically , Ekiti state is partially based around agriculture , mainly in yam , rice , cocoa and cassava crops while key minor industries are logging and tourism
Ekiti has the highest number of Ph.Ds per capital in Nigeria , demonstrating a commitment to education and knowledge
The state is a hidden gem for ecotourism , featuring breathtaking attractions such as Ikogosi warm springs resort , Arinta waterfalls , Olosunta hills and Ise-Ekiti Museum among others
This EU supported partnership aims to create investment environment , stimulate job creation and strategically advance sustainable development goals