From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State House of Assembly has announced a one-day retreat for members billed to hold on Wednesday, February 21, at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resorts, Ikogosi-Ekiti.
The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs in the 7th Ekiti House of Assembly, Babatunde Oke, disclosed this to newsmen at a press conference on Monday, in Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state.
Oke representing Ikere Constituency 1,
hinted that the retreat is in partnership with Cavista Holdings.
According to him, the retreat is expected to dwell on the theme “Enhancing Socio-Economic Development of Ekiti State through the Private Sector and Foreign Direct Investment: The Role of the Legislature.”
He noted that it will foster socio-economic development in the state.
The lawmaker said that members of the Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye are committed to keeping the state working towards shared prosperity.
 “As a legislative arm of government, the Ekiti State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye will continue to work in synergy with other arms of government and various stakeholders through responsible and responsive legislations to keep Ekiti working towards shared prosperity.
“The main objective of the 1-day Retreat which is scheduled to hold on Wednesday 21st February, 2024 at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resorts is to bring together stakeholders to cross-fertilize ideas that will foster socio-economic development and help the state chart a path towards a brighter future.
“The theme set tone for series of discussions aimed at steering our State towards prosperity.
“The Ekiti State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, understands that the development challenges we are facing as a country, including the formulation and implementation of new generation development policies, requires urgent need to bring stakeholders together to brainstorm on how to refocus policy interventions and strategies towards fostering domestic productive capacities, which will enable structural transformation and economic diversification.
“Aside Panel Sessions on various sectors of the economy, technocrats and facilitators were drawn as keynote speakers from various fields to critically review current operations and performance of the state on socio-economic development whilst identifying critical areas requiring refocusing.
“The Retreat will also allow formal interaction by the participants and officials both at the national and state levels.
“It is important to inform you also that the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye who is the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of Southwest States’ Houses of Assembly, will be playing host to his colleagues for the Conference maiden meeting under his leadership.
“The meeting will focus on issues pertaining to the forum and other issues like security and economic challenges in Nigeria particularly the Southwest Region.”
Dignitaries expected at the retreat include the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; the Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi; the Consular-General of the US Embassy; Speakers of the Conference of Southwest States’ Houses of Assembly; Members of National Assembly from Ekiti State; Captains of Industry of Ekiti State origin, and the academia among others.
The Retreat is expected to be declared open by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji by 08:00hrs on Wednesday 21st February, 2024; while the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye will give his opening remarks thereafter.
Dignitaries expected at the event to give keynote addresses include Mr. John Olajide (Chairman, Cavista Holdings), Consular-General of the US Embassy and Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi while erudite speakers such as Dr. Olaniyi Arije; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; and others will be in attendance to deliver papers in key areas.