*SPEAKER ARIBASOYE SAYS EKITI ASSEMBLY WILL MAXIMIZE LEGISLATIVE FRAME WORK TO WOO INVESTORS AS HOUSE HOLDS ONE DAY RETREAT AT IKOGOSI RESORT* As stakeholders continue to seek modalities to think outside the box amid rising economic crisis in Nigeria, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye has led other key figures to brainstorm for economic revamp in the state and beyond. At a one day Ekiti State House of Assembly Retreat held at Ikogosi warm spring resort in Ekiti State on Wednesday key players underscored the imperatives of economic advancements highlighting the theme of the of the event: "Enhancing Socio-Economic Development of Ekiti State through the Private Sector and Foreign Direct Investment; The Roles of the Legislature." The retreat put together by the Ekiti State House of Assembly and CAVISTA holdings, an agriculture business and hospitality concern had in attendance the speakers of Ondo, Osun and Oyo states from the southwest conference of speakers, Ekiti assembly lawmakers, the US consulate team, business stakeholders and top political figures including former governor Kayode Fayemi among others. In his address at the retreat, the Ekiti assembly speaker, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye emphasised the need for optimised legislative support to attract foreign investments and fostering strategic partnership of legislative framework. "This critical gathering reflects our commitment to exploring innovative ways to bolster Ekiti State's development through strategic partnerships and legislative frameworks." Aribasoye noted. He defined what could be the nexus between legislation and business development promising that the Ekiti State legislature will reflect and effect the gains of the retreat. "Today, our focus rests on how the Ekiti State House of Assembly , through forward thinking legislation , can create an enabling environment to attract private investment and foster foreign direct investment within our beloved state" Said Aribasoye. The US Consular General to Nigeria, Will Stevens highlighted the need for governments in Nigeria to step up on ICT and ensure an investors friendly environment is put in place to encourage foreign investments. Promising that the US would do more investments in Africa , Stevens described Nigeria as United State's biggest training partner on economy He applauded the Southwest governments for outstanding efforts to attract foreign investments adding that there was room to increase the drive. The well attended retreat brought out the US Consulate Chargé d’Affaires, David Greene to Ekiti State on his first ever outing outside the FCT . The founder of Cavista holdings Niyi Olajide in his keynote speech emphasized that government at all levels in Nigeria must heighten their commitment to match with the zeal of investors. According to him, cavista has job creation coupled with taste and thirst for outstanding tourism and agriculture development as its priorities for investing in Ekiti state. The Cavista boss identified some challenges to business progress in the state and beyond as road network, security and transportation among others but hopes for strengthened ties with Ekiti state government to surmount the challenges. "When we are marketing our businesses to attract patrons or recruit talent, the two most pressing concerns are accessibility and security. The road network needs to be vastly improved, there must be a palpable sense of security and we look forward to the completion of the airport to open up our state." He stated. Olajide described the initiative, zeal and will of the Adeoye Aribasoye led seventh Ekiti Assembly as laudable expressing optimism that house would translate results of the retreat and deliberations to reality in the shortest time possible. "The legislature plays a critical role in enacting pro-business legislation that fosters economic growth, protects investor rights, facilitates ease of doing business, and promote sustainable development goals. The goal must be to ensure Ekiti is the preferred investment destination in Nigeria." Olajide pointed out. The state Governor Mr. Biodun Oyebanji who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Habibat Adubiaro described the retreat as historic promising continued support to the vision of the Ekiti assembly . Various speakers took turns to identify the challenges and the catalysts for foreign direct investments. One of the key resource persons, Former governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi noted that the creation of a good political environment in recent years in Ekiti state helped a great deal in the aspect of foreign direct investment. He however opined that insecurity as a lone menace is not a major impediment to foreign investments especially if viewed with the mind that it is often limited to a certain axis within an entire territory as against perceptions from those residing in the diaspora. "Insecurity is not necessarily a disincentive to foreign investments. Policy inconsistency, low vision and drive, tense political environment and other situations combine with insecurity to create a major problem to grapple with" Fayemi Stated. The former governor said continuity of government projects as stipulated by the Ekiti state transition law is another strategic encourager for development and investments adding that the time has come for Ekiti state to translate its cerebral powers and intellectual prowess to capital in a contemporary world that thrives on knowledge. The Chairman Odua group of companies Otunba Bimbo Ashiru in his remarks said Nigeria could do much by leveraging on domestic resources rather that believing more in foreign assistance. He sternly advised that lawmakers must ensure self integrity that puts the people first rather than performing their oversight roles on MDAs with personal benefits in mind. Former Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi, some state commissioners and other key figures were also in attendance as facilitators and guests. Babajide Agbeyo Special Adviser (media) to the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly.