By Precious Oluwole

The special adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship, Dr Summy Smart Francis has emphasised Ondo State’s potentials to attract investors.

He made this emphasis during a press conference heralding the Global Entrepreneurship Festival to be hosted by Ondo State.

Francis mentioned the Idanre hills, the smokin hills in Ilara-mokin, the blue economy and other tourist centers in the State that can attract investors, describing Ondo State as the best kept secret of Africa.

The festival with the theme “Beyond Boundaries Prosperity Beyond Boundaries” is scheduled to hold on Friday, 22nd to Sunday, 24th of November, 2024.

The Global Entrepreneurship Festival has taken place in Dubai, New York, London, Ghana, among other countries.

Addressing the gathering at Ondo State internal Revenue hall, Francis appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive in the State.

According to him, the festival will feature an open conference, networking session, business speeches, global recognition award, exhibition, boxing match, fashion show, international women congress and a closing concert with Femi Kuti, Teni and other foreign artistes.

He noted that the Global Entrepreneurship Festival would expand the economic opportunity of the State, it will show case the rich potentials of the State, attract investors and youths across the State would benefit greatly from the festival.

Francis added that about 200 local and international investors and more than 5,000 participants would be in attendance.

In his keynote address, the State Commisoner for information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu commended Dr Summy Smart Francis for the innovative and his passion to develop the State, especially the youths.

He stated that the festival is an unprecedented breakthrough, stressing the State’s readiness to host the festival.

He added that the State has the enabling environment to host the event, noting the festival will change the face of the State for good. He assured all guests and participants of maximum security, stressing that Governor Aiyedatiwa doesn’t joke with the security of lives and property of the people.

Also speaking, The State Commisoner for Women Affairs, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi described entrepreneurship, brings inclusivity and also promote gender equality, adding that Ondo State is passionate about entrepreneurship development.

The Commisoner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese stated that the festival will change the narrative of the State, adding that his ministry will do its best to support the festival.

The Special Adviser on transport, Akogun Olugbenga Omole noted that the attention of the world will focus on the State and all the advantages of the festival to promote the State and would be remembered for good.

The Special Adviser on Gender, Mrs Olamide Falana, while expressing her satisfaction stated that Ondo State has the manpower, wealth and ripe enough to host the festival. She added that entrepreneurship remains the solution to gender inequality.

The Acting Chairman of Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Bayo Rojugbokan described the festival is timely and would contribute to the revenue of the State.

Director of Business Development and investment management, Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Engr. Femi Akarakiri urged Ondo State citizens, especially the youths to see the festival as an opportunity to connect themselves to the outside world.

In attendance were; Member, Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olawumi Fayemi-Obayelu, representing Ilaje constituency 2, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Simidele Odimayo, among other top government officials.