Ekiti global innovation hub vision unveiled by Babalola, promising digital growth, tech incubators, jobs, and inclusive development across the state and beyond

Otunba Olumuyiwa Babalola has unveiled his master plan to transform Ekiti into the Ekiti global innovation hub, redefining it as Nigeria’s digital frontier.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship hopeful made this bold declaration at a media roundtable in Ado-Ekiti.

He described the plan as “an audacious blueprint” for economic reinvention and digital inclusion. Babalola said the state’s perceived disadvantages were, in fact, its unique assets.

“They say Ekiti is too small, too rural, too forgotten. I say that is exactly our strategic advantage. The 21st century belongs to regions that dare to reimagine themselves without permission,” he stated.

He pledged to leverage his experience in diplomacy and international development for an aggressive rollout of tech hubs, education-to-innovation pipelines, and global investor partnerships—all anchored by Ekiti’s intellectual heritage and youth population.

The campaign includes a monthly N20,000 stipend for the unemployed and a strong commitment to what he calls “the South Agenda” in Ekiti governance.

“We’re not here to catch up—we’re here to set the pace. Just as Rwanda became East Africa’s digital capital, Ekiti will become West Africa’s beacon of innovation. And this time, no one will be left behind.”

Babalola said the campaign slogan, Ekiti to the World. South to the Front, now reflects a deeper movement for generational change.

“To those who believe greatness must be imported, I offer a simple counterpoint. The future will be built in Ekiti, or it won’t be built at all,” he declared.

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With this bold declaration of the Ekiti global innovation hub, Babalola aims to rally citizens around a tech-driven renaissance that promises jobs, pride, and global relevance.