By Gbenga Sodeinde
Ekiti State House of Assembly has passed the State Knowledge Zone Authority bill, 2022.
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, and Committee on Education, Science and Technology at plenary in Ado Ekiti.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee on Trade, Investment and Industries, Hon. Yemi Osatuyi said the two committees worked assiduously on the bill to get a workable document.
Hon Osatuyi said the establishment of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone will leverage 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, Hon. 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, Ijero Constituency; Hon. Yemisi Ayokunle, Ekiti Southwest 1; Hon. Femi Akindele, 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.