A former Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy in Ekiti State, Seun B. Fakuade, has expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the opportunity to serve in his administration, pledging continued support for the governor as he begins his second term in office.
Fakuade, who served as Special Adviser on Governance, Innovations and Reforms before becoming the pioneer commissioner of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, described his experience under Oyebanji as a rare privilege that enabled him to contribute to the state’s development.
In a message of appreciation to the governor, the former commissioner said the establishment of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, known as MISDE, reflected the administration’s confidence in Ekiti’s potential to transform its intellectual resources into enterprises, jobs and improved public service.
He said the opportunity to build the ministry from the ground up was an honour he would continue to cherish throughout his career.
Fakuade attributed several initiatives implemented during his tenure to Oyebanji’s leadership, support and openness to new ideas, noting that the programmes were designed to develop local talent, support entrepreneurs and accelerate digital transformation across the state.
Among the initiatives he highlighted were Nigeria’s first public-sector Robotics Academy, the Ekiti StartUp Garage, the Fountain Whiz and STEAM Bootcamp cohorts, and the Innovation Enterprise Support Fund.
He also listed the Digital Ekiti blueprint, which he said was developed to guide the state’s digital transformation across government institutions.
According to him, the initiatives laid a foundation for building talent pipelines, providing capital and support for innovators, and encouraging the growth of technology-driven businesses in Ekiti.
“None of this would have been possible without your vision, your openness to new ideas, and your willingness to let a new ministry attempt bold things,” he said.
The former commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of colleagues at MISDE, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Kingdom Government through UK KTN and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as financial institutions and private-sector innovation leaders.
He specifically recognised the roles of the African Development Bank, Providus Bank, Wema Bank and First Bank in supporting initiatives across the state’s innovation ecosystem.
Fakuade further commended Oyebanji’s leadership approach, citing his calm disposition, emphasis on value for money and insistence that government policies should have a meaningful impact on ordinary citizens.
Congratulating the governor on his re-election, the former commissioner described Oyebanji’s second term as a renewed mandate from the people of Ekiti State.
He prayed for wisdom and strength for the governor in the discharge of his responsibilities and reaffirmed his readiness to support the administration in any capacity considered useful.
“As you begin your second term, I congratulate you again on the renewed mandate the people have given you,” Fakuade said.
He concluded by thanking the governor for the trust and opportunity to serve, describing public service as an exceptional privilege.
Fakuade signed the message as the pioneer commissioner of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Ekiti State.
