“Turn Ideas Into Wealth”: Oyebanji Govt Backs Youths with Grants, Mentorship at Ekiti Summit

THE Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration to youth empowerment, innovation and sustainable wealth creation, describing young people as critical drivers of the state’s socio-economic transformation.

Mrs Babafemi stated this in her goodwill message at the 2026 Positive Impact Summit (PIS), held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic & Convention Centre, Fajuyi, Ado-Ekiti, on the theme, “Turning Ideas into Wealth.”

The summit, organised by the Divine Motivation for Positive Impact Initiative (DMPII), led by Dr Gbenga Emiloju, attracted a large gathering of young entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners and other youths seeking to transform their ideas into viable economic opportunities.

The Commissioner commended the organisers for convening the summit, describing it as a timely and impactful initiative that aligns with the Oyebanji Administration’s governance priorities, particularly in youth development, economic empowerment, innovation, and wealth creation.

She noted that the state government is deliberately creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive through various programmes and interventions implemented by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Ministries of Innovation, Science and Digital Economy; Agriculture and Food Security; Employment and Wealth Creation; as well as the Knowledge Zone, among others.

Addressing the enthusiastic participants, Mrs Babafemi urged them to maximise the opportunities offered by the summit, particularly the business grants, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and practical insights into wealth creation.

She encouraged the youths to move beyond ideas to action, stressing the importance of discipline, resilience, creativity and continuous learning in building sustainable businesses and achieving financial independence.

The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of character in achieving enduring success, noting that wealth and professional accomplishments must be built on integrity, responsibility and a strong sense of purpose. She therefore commended DMPII not only for promoting entrepreneurship but also for its focus on raising young people with character, purpose, and vision.

The high-profile gathering also had a strong assembly of dignitaries and professionals in attendance, including a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Iyabo Fakunle Okeiheme; Dr. Adetayo Egunlusi; the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services (Governor’s Office), Dr. Oyeyemi Kayode Ojo; the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Adeleke Adefolaju (mni); the General Manager of Ayooba FM, Mr. Wale Ojo; and Miss Seyifunmi Kolawole, a teenage prolific writer who recently authored four books.

The summit featured business grant presentations, robust networking sessions and expert-led mentorship panels, equipping participants with practical knowledge and renewed confidence to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures and take greater charge of their economic futures.