By Francis Akinnodi & Samuel Edu
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Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment and determination to create a conducive and attract investment climate in the state.
The Acting Governor of the state, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa made this known during the closing ceremony of Develop Ondo Investment summit held in Akure, the state capital.
Aiyedatiwa said, “During the summit, we had the privilege of hearing from both the private and public sectors, gaining valuable insight into the potential of renewable energy sources, harnessing our mineral resources and charting a path towards sustainable energy for the future of our great sunshine state.
“Reaffirming our commitment to creating a conducive and attractive investment climate, their valuable contributions have set the stage for meaningful partnership between the government and private investors, fostering an environment that would drive economic growth and development across all sectors.”
He thanked the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, describing him as a man of tremendous vision and leadership acumen, who again has demonstrated his unrelenting determination to develop Ondo State by making this summit possible.
Aiyedatiwa urged all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of collaboration and dialogue that has been the hallmark of the summit.
He said the commitment made and the initiatives proposed during the summit would not remain mere works on paper stating; they would become action plans that drive results with state Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU), playing a crucial role in monitoring the execution of the plans.
He commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) led by the Commissioner for Energy, Mines and Mineral Resources, Engineer Razaq Obe and comprising of critical executive council members for their incredible hard work in bringing the summit to friction.
“I also acknowledge our esteemed International partners, the European Union and the United Nations Development programme for their invaluable support to the state.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their support as our platinum sponsor for the Develop Ondo 2.0 Investment summit.
“I also thank the various local entrepreneurs and small businesses that are the backbone of the state’s economy and whom we are committed to encourage and develop.”
Speaking during the final plenary on the theme: partnership and funding for development, Regional Manager, Bank of Industry, BOI, Michael Oye said businesses have grown tremendously in Ondo State and Nigeria in general.
Oye said “BOI has been able to provide funds for SMEs and other critical investments. It is interesting to know that some of these businesses have been there for years.
“Some of them who do not have the capacity to take more than N100m loan before can now take N1b loan, this is indeed a sign of growth.”
He said BOI would continue to partner the state in the area of critical investments towards the development of the state.
Speaking on how Ondo State can achieve the Sustainable Development Goal, he said “this can be achieved by providing more fund for private sectors especially the SMEs that can contribute to the state’s economy.”
Earlier in his closing remarks, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Razaq Obe who also doubles as the Chairman, Local Organising Committee appreciated all participants, particularly the governor for the success of the programme.
