…….as ONDEA holds 3rd summit

By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has announced that Ondo State will be hosting the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in November, 2024.

Governor Aiyedatiwa made this known at the 3rd summit of Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) held at Dome on Saturday, with the theme “ Innovative entrepreneurship for sustainable economy”.

According to him, the Global Entrepreneurship Festival is indubitably the biggest entrepreneurship event in the world, where global leaders, world – renowned speakers, international VCs, and entrepreneurs from all over the world will be present in Ondo State during the Global Entrepreneurship Week.

“This is big news for Ondo State, and I thank the global community for trusting us to host this remarkable event. This is like hosting the World Cup, and I can assure you that Ondo State is ready. We will also be sponsoring our finest entrepreneurs to attend the festival to showcase the brilliance of Ondo State innovations.

“In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and global challenges, the need for innovative solutions has never been more pressing. As we strive to build a resilient economy that can withstand the uncertainties of the future, it is imperative that we harness the creativity and ingenuity of our youths and entrepreneurs.

“The current economy in our country demands the urgent intervention of innovative entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are, unarguably, the life-blood of any economy. They are the visionaries who dare to dream, the risk-takers who defy the status quo, and the drivers of innovation that propel our society forward. In Ondo State, entrepreneurs have always been at the forefront of transformative change; creating jobs, driving productivity, and catalyzing economic development in our communities.

Our administration in Ondo State since assumption of office has placed emphasis on fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation to thrive. We recognise that government alone cannot drive economic growth; rather, it is through collaboration with the private sector and the empowerment of our youths that we can unlock the full potential of our economy”.

He added that his administration has been prioritising the development and support of SMEs, MSMEs, nano entrepreneurs, grassroots artisans and traders, stressing that Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) has been at the forefront of driving an all-inclusive and vibrant economic development.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also noted that in the last few years, ONDEA’s impactful initiatives have transformed countless lives and businesses through the fostering of a culture of innovation and empowerment.

“Through strategic funding, digitization efforts and skills acquisition programmes, ONDEA since inception from 2020 till date, has equipped over 25,251 beneficiaries with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. From providing startup grants to nurturing innovative ideas, we have witnessed the birth of new businesses, the creation of jobs, a significant reduction in youth unemployment and more businesses in our tax net for increased Internally Generated Revenue.

“During the first quarter of this year, ONDEA has trained and empowered 618 individuals from the grassroots, some of whom will be awarded their certificates today. “The ONDEA my IDEA initiatives 2024 Edition”, has also kicked off, where the 20 most innovative entrepreneurs in Ondo State will be awarded one million Naira cash grant each, and business support packages worth two million Naira each. This programme is to further enhance the passion, interest and entrepreneurship drive of our young citizens.

“In addition, our administration has put measures in place towards supporting our MSMEs and entrepreneurs with equipment grants, startup grants, and technical skills before the end of the year. But our work does not stop there. We are committed to empowering our youths through initiatives like the Entrepreneurship”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the Federal Government under the leadership of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for continually providing support for entrepreneurship development through various initiatives such as the Conditional Grant Initiatives, National Talent Export and the National MSME Clinic. “These programmes are aimed at fostering economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation by empowering young entrepreneurs and MSMEs with access to funding, mentorship, and technical assistance”.

In his address, The Special Adviser to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Entrepreneurship and innovation and CEO, ONDEA, Dr Summy Smart Francis commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his steadfast dedication to nurturing young entrepreneurs in the state and for fostering a conducive environment for businesses to flourish.

He also urged the young entrepreneurs to maintain focus and determination, highlighting the numerous business opportunities created by Governor Aiyedatiwa through ONDEA.

He urged the youths and entrepreneurs to prepare themselves for any opportunity, not to relent in their different works and not to look down on themselves.

In conclusion, farming equipment were given to farmers across the State, to aid food production and food security. This is In furtherance of the State government’s efforts towards incentivising youths to take part in agriculture

Present were, members of the State Executive Council, members of Ondo State House of Assembly, Special Advisers and other top government functionaries