Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fostering private investment across all sectors to drive the overall growth and development of the state.
He made this pledge during the Economic Summit and Evening with the Governor, organised by the Friends of Lucky, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, on Saturday.
The summit, themed "The Role of Private Sector in Governance and the Development of Ondo State," was highlighted as an ideal platform for the government and the private sector to exchange ideas on a governance model that would secure the state's future development.
During the gathering, Aiyedatiwa expressed his enthusiasm for the summit, describing it as a pivotal moment for the socio-economic transformation of Ondo State.
"This is an epoch-making event that will define our commitment as a people to the socio-economic transformation of Ondo State and resonate with future generations," he said.
The governor emphasised the critical role of the private sector in driving economic growth and ensuring good governance.
"Let me reiterate our strong belief that the private sector is not just a driver of economic growth but also a vital partner in good governance. By working together, we can identify and address pressing challenges, leverage resources and expertise, foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and lastly, enhance transparency and accountability," he said.
He highlighted the creation of the Ondo State Investment and Development Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) as a significant step towards improving the ease of doing business in the state.
"Today, the collaborative efforts of our home-grown Amotekun Corps and other security agencies have earned us the status of one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria. This has turned Ondo State into an investment destination," he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also spoke about the administration's efforts to make Ondo State a hub of industrialisation. He cited the successful partnership with Linyi Province, which resulted in the creation of the Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub at the Ore Industrial Park. This initiative, he noted, has significantly contributed to the state's economic growth.
Looking forward, Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in light of technological innovation, demographic shifts, and global economic trends.
However, he expressed confidence in the potential of Ondo State, emphasising its rich natural and human resources, including extensive fertile land suitable for agriculture, abundant mineral resources, and a large, energetic youth population.
He assured that the state government would continue to encourage private investments, particularly in agriculture, agribusiness, and the blue economy, which includes fisheries, tourism, and marine transportation.
He also assured investors of a conducive environment for their investments in Ondo State, reiterating that the state remains one of the safest and most peaceful in Nigeria, with a dedicated investment promotion agency to streamline business processes.
The Governor also highlighted ongoing and future infrastructure projects, such as the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), aimed at opening up rural roads and facilitating economic activities.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Friends of Lucky for organising the event and for their efforts in documenting his political journey in the book titled "The Journey."
The Governor ended his speech with a call to action, inviting potential investors to join hands with the state government in unlocking Ondo State's vast potential and creating a prosperous future for its people.
Dr. Abiola Oshodi, a guest of honour and speaker at the event, urged the state government to prioritise tourism, emphasising its growing global importance.
He noted that tourism currently contributes less than 2% to Nigeria's GDP and highlighted Ondo State's potential to capitalise on this sector.
Additionally, Dr. Oshodi encouraged the governor to explore the state's oil and gas reserves and consider further investments in the fishing industry, pointing out that Nigeria spends over $1.2 billion annually on fish imports.
Earlier in his welcome address, Bankole Joseph Betiku, the convener of the event, emphasised the significance of the private sector in driving sustainable economic growth and good governance in Ondo State.
Betiku expressed his hopes that the gathering would foster valuable collaborations and innovative solutions to propel the state towards a brighter future.
