Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with credible local and international partners to drive inclusive growth and position the state among Nigeria’s leading destinations for investment, innovation and enterprise development.
The governor’s position was conveyed during a strategic engagement between the Ondo State Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB), aimed at exploring opportunities for collaboration in critical sectors capable of accelerating the state’s economic transformation.
Representing the governor at the meeting, the Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Investment, Dr. Summy Smart Francis, said the Aiyedatiwa administration remains focused on building strong institutional partnerships that can attract investments, technical expertise and development financing to the state.
According to Francis, the engagement with the AfDB reflects the government’s determination to leverage global partnerships in delivering sustainable development and expanding economic opportunities for residents.
“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development. Ondo State will continue to work with credible local and international partners to drive inclusive growth and position the state among Nigeria’s foremost destinations for investment, innovation and enterprise development,” he said.
He explained that discussions centred on potential areas of cooperation, including agriculture, enterprise development, renewable energy, infrastructure expansion, youth empowerment and job creation.
Francis described the AfDB as one of Africa’s foremost development finance institutions with a track record of supporting transformative projects that stimulate economic growth, strengthen regional integration and reduce poverty across the continent.
“The African Development Bank is a strategic development partner with a proven track record of supporting initiatives that create lasting economic impact. We see enormous opportunities for Ondo State to benefit from deeper collaboration with the institution,” he stated.
He noted that the partnership discussions align with the objectives of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion, industrialisation, investment promotion, entrepreneurship development and improved living standards for residents.
The Special Adviser added that the state government is exploring avenues to access technical assistance, development financing, capacity-building programmes and strategic investments that will support both public and private sector growth.
He said particular attention was given to initiatives capable of empowering small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), boosting agricultural productivity, expanding infrastructure and creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people across the state.
Francis further stressed that the administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive, investors can operate with confidence and entrepreneurs can access opportunities needed to grow their ventures.
Fidelis David
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