…as Gov Aiyedatiwa flags off event in Akure

By Adedotun Ajayi

No fewer than 10,000 participants from across the countries of the world are currently participating in the ongoing Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

This is just as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described entrepreneurship as the most powerful weapon to eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development.

The Global Entrepreneurship Festival will feature panel discussions, networking sessions and exhibitions by the participants.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, on Friday, called for collective action to harness the power of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit for economic transformation.

“Entrepreneurship is the life-blood of innovation, the catalyst for economic growth, and the driving force behind social progress. It is the entrepreneurs among us who dare to dream, who take risks, and who push boundaries to create new opportunities and solve real-world problems,” he said.

The governor declared the three-day festival officially open, describing it as a pivotal event that will shape the socio-economic future of Ondo State.

He emphasized the multidimensional objectives of the festival, including celebrating entrepreneurial achievements, fostering collaboration, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, and boosting the local economy.

Aiyedatiwa also highlighted Ondo State’s vast economic potential, including its strategic location, rich natural resources, and ongoing development projects.

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

“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,” he added.

The governor also commended the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (ONDEA) for its efforts in job creation and entrepreneurial promotion, describing the festival as a testament to his administration’s vision.

He urged participants 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.

He added that the initiative aimed to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration, making Ondo State a hub for business growth and development.

Renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Folorunso Alakija, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the central goal of the summit: eradicating poverty through entrepreneurship.

“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.

She called on participants to seize the opportunities presented by the festival, collaborate with others, and turn their ideas into impactful ventures.

Summy Smart Francis, the Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship to the Ondo State Governor, expressed his gratitude to Governor Lucky 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.

Francis reassured the audience of the governor’s commitment to the overall welfare and development of Ondo State, highlighting the administration’s determination to achieve extraordinary milestones.

“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,” he said.

The Global Entrepreneurship Festival, which features panel discussions, networking sessions, and exhibitions, has drawn over 10,000 participants from across the globe