By Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to transform the state into Nigeria’s leading hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.

Speaking on Wednesday at the prize-giving ceremony for the ONDEA My IDEA 2.0 Competition, held at The Dome, Akure, Aiyedatiwa declared his administration’s commitment to fostering an environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive and shine on both national and global stages.

The governor said, “The end has come for the narrative of Ondo State being a civil service state. In my time as Governor of this State, as I renew my mandate come November, by the grace of God, Ondo State will be known as the capital for entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, thereby allowing our youths to shine brightly in the Sunshine State.”

The governor emphasised the significant role that entrepreneurship and innovation play in economic growth. “History has shown that prosperous regions are often transformed by innovative solutions that address challenges and create new industries. In Ondo State, we recognise the power of entrepreneurship and technology to reshape our economy and elevate the lives of our people,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa further noted the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs, affirming that the state government is dedicated to providing the necessary tools, resources, and mentorship to help youth succeed in a technology-driven world. “This competition is a testament to our belief in the capacity of our young people to generate groundbreaking ideas that will shape the future of this state and the country.”

As Ondo State prepares to host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism about the opportunities the event will present. He said the festival would showcase Ondo’s talents and investment opportunities, while fostering collaborations that will drive economic growth.

The governor also pledged that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, reiterating his vision for Ondo to become a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.

He concluded by encouraging participants to remain steadfast in their pursuits, regardless of the competition outcomes, stating, “To all participants in this competition, irrespective of the result and outcome of the winners today, your ideas have the potential to be the foundation of something much greater. You are the future of this State, and we are here to support you every step of the way.”

Aiyedatiwa thanked the ONDEA team for their hard work and expressed confidence that the ideas generated through the competition would have a lasting impact on the future of Ondo State.

Summy Smart, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship, commended the governor’s deep sense of empathy towards the grassroots, stating that it has significantly fostered the growth of entrepreneurship across Ondo State. He noted that the governor’s inclusive approach ensures that no community is overlooked, making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs, even in the most remote areas, to thrive.

Smart also highlighted the governor’s unwavering commitment to youth development, emphasising that prioritising their welfare has been a cornerstone of his administration’s efforts. This focus on creating opportunities for young people has, according to Smart, laid the foundation for a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Head of Operations ONDEA, Gbenga Adebambo, highlighted the governor’s dedication to the youth, emphasising that his commitment to their welfare is a clear reflection of his passion for young people throughout the state.

He also expressed gratitude to the team for identifying the 20 most innovative ideas from across the state’s 18 local government areas.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Oladeju Oluwadamilola expressed heartfelt gratitude to the governor for his unwavering support and the opportunity provided through the ONDEA My IDEA 2.0 initiative.

Oluwadamilola assured the governor that they would not take the opportunity for granted, pledging that the beneficiaries would make the most of the resources and support they’ve received.

“We are determined to put these funds and mentorship to good use, turning our ideas into successful ventures that will not only benefit us but also contribute to the growth and development of Ondo State,” she added.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of cheques to the winners of the ONDEA My IDEA 2.0 competition. The winners, whose innovative ideas were selected from across the state’s 18 local government areas, received financial rewards to help bring their entrepreneurial visions to life.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; the Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu; the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Raqaz Obe; and the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Cooperative Services, Pastor Segun Ayerin, along with other top government functionaries.