By our Reporter
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing private investments across all sectors to drive the overall growth and development of the state.
He made this pledge during an engagement with private sector players at an ‘Evening with the Governor’ event, organized by the Friends of Lucky, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure.
The event, themed “The Role of Private Sector in Governance and the Development of Ondo State,” was a platform for the government and the private sector to exchange ideas on a governance model that would secure the state’s future development.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who commended the organizers of the event, expressed his enthusiasm for an increased private sector investments for the socio-economic transformation of the 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 for future generations.
“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 do a lot together which is to identify and address pressing challenges, leverage resources and expertise, foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, lastly enhance transparency and accountability”, the Governor said.
Reflecting on the achievements of his administration, the Governor paid tribute to the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, under whose leadership many of these initiatives were launched.
He highlighted the creation of the Ondo State Investment and Development Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) as a significant step toward improving the ease of doing business in the state.
Speaking on the administration’s efforts to make Ondo State a hub of industrialization, he cited the successful partnership with China’s Linyi Province that 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.Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence in the potential of the State, emphasizing its natural and human resources, including extensive fertile land suitable for agriculture, abundant mineral resources, and a large, energetic youth population.
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.
Dr. Abiola Oshodi and Chief Alex Ajipe, who were guest speakers at the event, urged the state government to prioritize public-private partnership to revive ailing industries and drive the economy of the state forward.
Earlier in his welcome address, Bankole Joseph Betiku, the Convener of the event, emphasized 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.
At the event, a book on the Governor, authored by a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategic Communication, Mr. Allen Sowore, was launched.