Aiyedatiwa offers incentives to investors, says Ondo ready for business

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged investors to focus attention on the state, stressing that potentials abound with his administration’s determination to roll out incentives.

While describing entrepreneurship as the most powerful weapon to eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development, Aiyedatiwa called for collective action to harness the power of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit for economic transformation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, the state capital, the governor emphasized the multidimensional objectives of the festival, stressing that it fosters collaboration and as well inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs and boosts the local economy.

While declaring the three-day festival open, Aiyedatiwa described it as a pivotal event that will shape the socio-economic future of the state.

The governor noted the state’s position as Nigeria’s fifth-largest producer of hydrocarbons, its 40 percent contribution to the country’s cocoa exports, and the promising future of the proposed Ondo Deep Seaport.

He said, “Our state is uniquely positioned for investment, with boundless opportunities in oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure development. The ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project will connect Ondo to Lagos in about 30 minutes, making it a prime location for economic activities.

The governor commended the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (ONDEA) for its efforts in job creation and entrepreneurial promotion, urging participants at the festival to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship, stating, “Let us work together to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world.”

The Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Village Board, Mr. Dan Walkovitz, described the village as a transformative initiative designed to help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.

“The Entrepreneurship Village in Ondo State will provide a platform for mentorship, funding, and innovation. It is a place where dreams are turned into reality and where the next generation of global leaders will emerge,” Walkovitz said.

On her part, renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, stated that “Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for transforming lives and lifting communities out of poverty. This festival is not just about business; it’s about empowering individuals to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.” Alakija said.

Summy Smart Francis, the special adviser on entrepreneurship to the governor and project lead of the festival, expressed his gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for fostering an environment conducive to business growth and innovation across the state.

He commended the governor’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment, describing it as a constant source of inspiration.

“What the world once considered impossible has now been accomplished in Ondo State as we proudly host the first-ever Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria.”