By Adedotun Ajayi
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to being a prime investment destination, emphasising 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 licence 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.
The governor expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to host a successful festival in November, noting, “We are ready to host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival come November. The festival presents a tremendous opportunity for growth and development within Ondo State. We believe the influx of visitors and the international attention will enhance our profile and bring significant economic benefits.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, Sunny Smart Francis, Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, praised 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,” Francis said.
He expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s potential impact, stating, “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, emphasising 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 through the upcoming festival.
In his submission, Hon. Shina Peller, GEF Board Member and former Member of the House of Representatives, also congratulated the 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 licence to Governor Aiyedatiwa, signalling the state’s readiness to host a globally significant festival.