Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to being a prime investment destination, emphasizing the factors that make the Sunshine State attractive, including its relative peace, abundant natural resources, and skilled workforce.

Speaking during the official presentation of the license for the Global Entrepreneurship Festival on Thursday in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the event’s potential to drive significant growth and development within the state.

Akure, the Ondo State capital, will host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in November this year and 215 investors from around the world have signified their attendance.

The Governor expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to host a successful festival, noting that the festival presents a tremendous opportunity for growth and development in Ondo State.

“We are ready to host the festival. We believe the influx of visitors and the international attention will enhance our profile and bring significant economic benefits to our people.

”We have many areas that should be attractive to foreign investors, including our fertile land for agriculture, mineral resources, the cleanest beach in Nigeria at Araromi and our deep sea port.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Sunny Smart Francis, Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, thanked the Governor for backing the decision to hold the festival in Ondo State.

“The choice of Ondo State for this festival is a testament to the significant strides we’ve made in transforming the state into an investment hub.

“The Global Entrepreneurship Festival is the largest entrepreneurship event ever held in Nigeria, and it promises to positively affect many lives. We owe a debt of gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support and for fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and youth development.”

In his remarks, Mr. Dan Walkovitz, the Entrepreneurship Village Board Chairman and Global Investor, expressed his delight at being part of the project, praising Ondo State for its exceptional hospitality and rich natural and human resources.

He applauded the state’s infrastructural achievements, particularly at the Entrepreneurship Village, describing Ondo as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s entrepreneurial advancement.

Also, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, the Nigerian Chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival,
noted that the festival marks the beginning of a prosperous journey for the state and its people, emphasizing that the success of tomorrow must be built by the efforts of today.

Mr. Anthony Jones Esq, GEF Partner, Investor and representative of Mr. Don King, world renowned boxing promoter, reminisced about the success of the “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing event in 1974 and expressed his readiness to showcase Ondo State to the global community to mark the 50th anniversary of the event.

Hon. Shina Peller, GEF Board Member and former member of the House of Representatives, congratulated Ondo state on hosting the event, highlighting the numerous positive impacts it will have on the state and its people. He called for collaborative efforts to address hunger and other socio-economic challenges, commending the governor for his leadership and commitment.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the festival’s theme song and the official presentation of the festival’s license to the Governor.

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 23, 2024.