Ekiti State desires a deeper and more long-term partnership with the Australian Government for the state’s development.
Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, the state’s deputy governor, expressed the desire on behalf of Gov. Kayode Fayemi to visiting Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr John Donnelly, on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti.
Egbeyemi informed the envoy that Ekiti State had established policies and legislation to protect women from violence.
“I believe that our association and partnership with the Australian Government will be fruitful because your mission here is our passion, and we will give you our full support to ensure your success.”
“We are open to collaboration that will lead to development, and we welcome investment in relevant sectors.”
“Ekiti is an investment-friendly state, and we are looking for a deeper and longer-term partnership with your government on development issues,” the deputy governor said.
Egbeyemi also stated that the state government would not relent in attracting investments and technical partnerships in order to accelerate the state’s development.
Earlier, the envoy praised the Ekiti State government for establishing policy frameworks and an enabling environment that facilitated partnership and investment, saying the Australian government would benefit from it.
Australia is collaborating with Ekiti State on livestock breeding, ranching, agricultural marketing, women empowerment, the abolition of violence against women and children, and the promotion of gender equality.
Donnelly stated that part of his visit was to collaborate with the state on its approach to women and children, as well as to rub minds on the 16-day global activism on Gender Based Violence.
He praised Ekiti State for ensuring the domestication of the Gender Violence Law, which he said had made Ekiti State a role model for other Nigerian states.
Donnelly went on to say that the Australian High Commission in Nigeria was also working on women’s advocacy, including gender equality, growth, and empowerment.
He explained that the Australian Mission in Nigeria had contacted governors’ wives through the Nigeria Governors Wives’ Forum to inquire about projects for women and youth development.
The diplomat said his team was also working with Sen. Biodun Olujinmi of Ekiti South Senatorial District, who he said is championing a Gender Equality Bill in the National Assembly.
While thanking the government and people of Ekiti State for the warm welcome, Donnelly assured Ekiti State of his home government’s cooperation on issues of partnership.
Donnelly was accompanied by his wife, Sunita, and the Third Secretary in the Australian High Commission, Miss Annabelle Simpson.
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