— Says Ondo’ll become Nigeria’s hub for entrepreneurship

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Ondo state governor,  Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has promised to transform the state into Nigeria’s leading hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.

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

Each of the 20 winners, who emerged from hundreds of applicants from across the state, would get N1m cash and N2m worth of working equipment to enhance their businesses.

 Aiyedatiwa had earlier in the year increased the number of beneficiaries from the initial 10 to 20 in order to encourage more young people to embrace entrepreneurship.

He 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.

“History has shown that prosperous regions are often transformed by innovative solutions that address challenges and create new industries.

“In Ondo State, we recognize the power of entrepreneurship and technology to reshape our economy and elevate our people’s lives”.

Aiyedatiwa noted the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs, affirming that the state government is dedicated to providing the necessary tools, resources, and mentorship to help them 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”, he added.

As Ondo State prepares to host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism about the opportunities the event will present.

 He said the festival will showcase Ondo’s investment opportunities, while fostering collaborations that will drive economic growth.

The governor encouraged participants to remain steadfast in their pursuits, regardless of competition’s outcomes, just as he 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.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship, Summy Smart Francis, commended the governor’s deep sense of empathy, stating that it has significantly fostered the growth of entrepreneurship across Ondo State.

Francis 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.

He also highlighted the governor’s unwavering commitment to youth development, emphasizing that prioritizing their welfare has been a cornerstone of his administration’s efforts.

This focus on creating opportunities for young people has, according to him, laid the foundation for a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state.

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

Adebanjo 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 support and the opportunity provided through the ONDEA My IDEA initiative, pledging that the beneficiaries would make the most of the resources and support they’ve received.