By Remilekun Oyelowo
Ondo State’s Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, unveiled the inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Festival at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) on Friday. This three-day event, which commenced with a spirited opening ceremony, has been hailed as a landmark initiative aimed at driving economic transformation and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in the region.
The governor, addressing a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders, emphasized the pivotal role entrepreneurship plays in eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development. “Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of innovation, the catalyst for economic growth, and the driving force behind social progress,” said Aiyedatiwa. “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.”
Highlighting the festival’s significance, the governor declared it a crucial platform for celebrating entrepreneurial achievements, inspiring the next generation, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders. “This festival will shape the socio-economic future of Ondo State,” he stressed.
The festival serves as a testament to Ondo State’s vast economic potential, which includes rich natural and mineral resources and strategic developmental projects. Governor Aiyedatiwa pointed out the state’s standing as Nigeria’s fifth-largest producer of hydrocarbons and its critical contribution to the country’s cocoa exports. He also underscored the promising prospects of the proposed Ondo Deep Seaport, which is set to significantly enhance trade in the region.
“Our state is uniquely positioned for investment, with boundless opportunities in oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure development,” he remarked. Aiyedatiwa specifically mentioned the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which will facilitate rapid connectivity between Ondo State and Lagos, making it an attractive destination for business activities.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (ONDEA) for its relentless efforts in job creation and the promotion of entrepreneurship. He urged festival participants to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, stating, “Let us work together to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world.”
As part of the event’s agenda, Mr. Dan Walkovitz, Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Village Board, described the village as a transformative initiative tailored to assist entrepreneurs in realizing their ideas. “The Entrepreneurship Village in Ondo State will provide a platform for mentorship, funding, and innovation. It is a place where dreams become reality, and where the next generation of global leaders will emerge,” Walkovitz stated. His vision for the initiative includes cultivating a culture of creativity and collaboration, ultimately positioning Ondo State as a burgeoning hub for business growth and innovation.
The highlight of the opening ceremony was the keynote address delivered by renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija. She urged attendees to recognize entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for transforming lives and addressing community poverty. “This festival is not just about business; it’s about empowering individuals to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society,” Alakija articulated.
Mrs. Alakija’s message resonated deeply with participants, reinforcing the central goal of the summit: to harness entrepreneurship as a mechanism for positive change. She called on all attendees to seize the opportunities presented during the festival, urging them to collaborate and turn their innovative ideas into impactful ventures.
Summy Smart Francis, the Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship to the Governor and Project Lead of the festival, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for creating a conducive environment for business growth. He emphasized the governor’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, positioning it as a remarkable source of inspiration. “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,” Francis declared.
The festival features a rich program of panel discussions, networking sessions, and exhibitions designed to inspire and mobilize participants. Entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners will have the opportunity to connect with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and access resources that could propel their ventures to success.
As the Global Entrepreneurship Festival unfolds, it is expected to draw participants and observers from across the nation and beyond. The buzz around the event signifies a collective desire to unlock Ondo State’s economic potential, ultimately building a more prosperous future for its citizens.
With the message of innovation and enterprise being championed at the festival, it is clear that Ondo State is not just ready for business; it is poised to lead the charge in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that can serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria and across Africa.
As the festival progresses over the next few days, all eyes will be on Ondo State, where the blending of creativity, collaboration, and ambition hopes to yield a new era of transformative entrepreneurship, driving socio-economic development and creating lasting impacts for generations to come.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, confirmed the governor’s vision: “We are committed to harnessing the power of entrepreneurship to uplift our communities and drive sustainable development. Together, we can create a legacy of innovation and opportunity that will echo through time.”
