The Global Entrepreneurship Festival, regarded as the largest entrepreneurship-focused event in the world, is set to take place in Akure, Ondo State, from November 22 to 24.
Ahead of the highly anticipated event, a press conference was held on Tuesday at the Revenue House, Akure, to brief the public on the festival’s objectives and activities.
The event will feature 12 key activities running concurrently over three days, including an open conference with globally renowned speakers, networking sessions, and opportunities to connect with inventors and visionaries.
Mr. Summy Smart Francis, the Project Lead and Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who highlighted the significance of the festival, said the press conference series had already been held in major cities across the globe, including Lagos, Dubai, New York, South Africa, and London, with Akure hosting the grand finale.
Francis emphasized that Governor Aiyedatiwa would be the first Nigerian governor to host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, a milestone that stresses the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth.
“This event will generate significant traffic to Ondo State, boosting revenue and positioning the state as a hub for entrepreneurship,” he said.
He also revealed that Ondo State’s preparations have gained international attention, with promotions featuring the state displayed on iconic platforms like Times Square in New York, as well as prominent locations in Abuja and Lagos, including the Third Mainland Bridge.
Speaking on the broader impact of the festival, Francis explained that the event’s primary aim is to inspire participants to discover their potential, connect with global investors, and gain insights into innovative business practices.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to promoting entrepreneurship in Ondo State.
“The fact that Ondo State is hosting this global summit is a source of pride for the governor. The event, which will gather over 10,000 participants, is expected to transform the state economically. Investors will experience the renowned hospitality of Ondo State under the exceptional leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa.”
Also, Hon. Olugbenga Omole, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership, stating that, just like the governor’s name, Ondo State is truly “lucky” to host a globally significant event like the Global Entrepreneurship Festival.
Omole expressed confidence that the festival would open new opportunities for growth in various sectors, including transportation, which he believes will benefit significantly from the increased activities and investments the event is expected to attract.
Olamide Falana, the Special Adviser on Gender, expressed her optimism about the transformative potential of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival. She noted that the event would pave the way for industries to begin trooping into Ondo State, positioning it as a prime destination for commerce in the near future.
The Director of Business Development and Investment Management, Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Femi Akarakiri, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for ensuring the Global Entrepreneurship Festival remained free from political undertones.
He noted that if the program had been held before the gubernatorial election, it might have been misconstrued as a campaign strategy. However, Akarakiri praised the governor’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of the state.
Akarakiri predicted that within the next 20 years, Ondo State would transform into Nigeria’s economic hub, driven by the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of its people.
The Special Adviser on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, assured the public that the health sector in Ondo State is fully prepared to support the Global Entrepreneurship Festival and ensure the well-being of all attendees.
