Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for closer cooperation between the World Bank and state governments, saying stronger partnerships will help address the unique development needs of each state across Nigeria.
The governor made the appeal during a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme, led by Task Team Leader, Shinsaku Nomura, at the Government House in Ado Ekiti.
Speaking during the meeting, Oyebanji explained that while national development policies are important, every state faces different challenges that require solutions designed specifically for its people. According to him, state governments understand their local needs better and are therefore in the best position to identify priority projects and ensure that development programmes achieve meaningful results.
He stressed that international development partners, including the World Bank, would record greater success by working closely with state governments rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
The governor noted that stronger collaboration would improve the planning and execution of projects in sectors such as education, youth development, healthcare, and infrastructure. He said these partnerships would not only speed up development but also improve the quality of life for residents.
Oyebanji reaffirmed Ekiti State’s commitment to working with the World Bank on programmes that support economic growth and social development. He assured the delegation that his administration would continue to provide the support needed for the successful implementation of the AGILE programme and other development initiatives.
According to the governor, investing in education remains one of the most effective ways to prepare young people for future opportunities while strengthening the state’s economy. He added that empowering young girls through quality education would create long-term benefits for families, communities, and the country as a whole.
The AGILE programme, supported by the World Bank, focuses on improving access to quality education for adolescent girls while creating safer and more inclusive learning environments. The initiative is also designed to reduce barriers that prevent girls from completing their education.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank delegation, Task Team Leader Shinsaku Nomura said the team visited Ekiti State to review the progress of the AGILE project and assess how far implementation has gone.
Nomura praised the Ekiti State Government for its commitment to improving the education sector and expressed confidence that continued cooperation between both parties would help the programme achieve its objectives.
He noted that sustained collaboration, proper planning, and effective project monitoring would ensure that the initiative delivers lasting benefits for students and communities across the state.
The meeting also brought together several senior government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Bayode Ogunmola; State Project Coordinator, Yewande Adesua; and other key stakeholders.
The discussions reflected a shared commitment between Ekiti State and the World Bank to strengthen educational development and expand opportunities for young people. Observers believe that closer cooperation between development partners and state governments could lead to faster implementation of projects and more sustainable economic and social progress across Nigeria.
