……….Pledges to provide enabling environment for businesses to thrive

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has emphasised the importance of creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival held at the Dome on Friday, the Governor stressed that entrepreneurship is the life-blood of innovation, the catalyst for economic growth, and the driving force behind social progress.

According to the Governor, the 3 days festival will provide a unique platform for entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, and forge partnerships.

“This global event is bound to serve multidimensional objectives which include but not limited to celebrating entrepreneurial spirit and achievement, facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing, inspiring and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, and boosting our local economy.

“Apart from a well-established ease of doing business provided through our Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Ondo State boasts of a secure and peaceful environment which serves as a huge motivation for would be investors.

” The proposed Ondo Deep Seaport named PORT ONDO, which has been licensed by the Federal Government of Nigeria presents a huge investment opportunity. With the ongoing construction of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ondo State to Lagos State would be about 30 minutes’ drive from the coastal area. More details about these economic potential would be unveiled in the course of this global entrepreneurship festival.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commend the leadership of the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (ONDEA) for doing so much in the area of job creation and boosting entrepreneurial activities in the State; and for the creativity of midwifing the global event, adding that the event that resonates well with the vision of his administration.

He urged the participants to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship. “Let us work together to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world”, he concluded.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship, Dr Summy Smart Francis described the Governor as a believer in enterprenureshp, stressing that with him as the Governor, the economy of the State will continue to boom.

He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for believing in enterprenureshp and empowering the youths.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, members of the State Executive Council, among other top government functionaries.