Ekiti Assembly Passes State Knowledge Zone Authority Bill 2022

According to the proceedings of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, it was revealed that the bill seeks to encourage foreign and local investors into the state with provision of an enabling environment for them to thrive. 

The passage of the bill was sequel to the submission of the report of the Joint Committee on Trade, Investment and Industry as well as the Committee on Education, Science and Technology at the House of Assembly plenary held in Ado Ekiti. 

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee on Trade, Investment and Industries, Honourable Yemi Osatuyi said the two committees worked assiduously on the bill to get a workable document.

Honourable Osatuyi said the establishment of the Ekiti State Knowledge Zone Authority Bill 2022 is targeted at leveraging on the State comparative advantage to create a vibrant ecosystem of innovative businesses and a conducive environment for collaboration and technology transfer. 

The report was adopted by the lawmakers and subsequently passed the third reading and read by the Clerk of the House, Mr Tola Esan. 

In his remark, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt.Hon Funminiyi Afuye, expressed optimism on the positive effect of the new law on Ekiti economy. 

Meanwhile, a bill titled Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Spare Parts Dealer Bill, 2022 has successfully passed through the second reading. 

The bill, sponsored by the House Leader of Business, Honourable Gboyega Aribisogan seek to regulate and evaluate the activities of motor dealers and motor vehicle spare part dealers in the state against arbitrary influx of stolen vehicles and shady deals.

The bills aimed to create a data base and structured arrangement for all stakeholders involved through registration. 

In their various contributions, members that included the Deputy Speaker, Hakeem Jamiu, Hon. Martins Ojo from Ijero Constituency; Hon. Yemisi Ayokunle from Ekiti Southwest 1; Hon. Femi Akindele from Irepodun/Ifelodun 1, applauded the sponsor of the bill for the initiative. 

They expressed hope that the bill when passed would assist in generating more internally generated revenue for the State. 

The bill was committed to the joint Committee on Works and Transportation, and the Committee on Trade, Investment and Industry for further legislative scrutiny.