Ondo State job creation scheme
.We’re on cusp of industrial revolution, says acting gov
Ondo State Government, yesterday, said that with its drive to enhance the status of the state as a commercial hub, $2 billion investments would be attracted to the state, which will in turn create 70,000 new jobs.
The Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, disclosed this during the opening session of Develop Ondo 2.0 Investment Summit, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, the state capital.
According to Aiyedatiwa, through the summit, 100 donor-partners and 1,500 investors would be engaged towards a vibrant and thriving economy that would uplift the people of the state and enrich their livelihoods.
He said: “The Develop Ondo 2.0 Investment Summit is a testament to our collective vision and unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the lives of the people of Ondo State. It is the culmination of extensive planning and preparation.
“Its objectives are to showcase Ondo State’s investment potential, promote it as a premier investment destination, and foster a conducive business climate that attracts both local and international investors.
“This summit is the second of its kind, building upon the success of its precursor, “Develop Ondo 1.0. It serves as a platform to connect stakeholders from diverse sectors, facilitating constructive dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the forging of strategic partnerships that will be the catalyst for accelerated development in the state.
“The state’s investment potential is boundless, spanning various sectors that offer enticing opportunities for growth and prosperity. Agriculture, with its abundant arable land and favourable climate, presents vast potential for agribusiness ventures, agro-processing, and value-added industries.”
The acting governor added: “Ondo State is rich in natural gas and mineral resources, including bitumen, limestone, granite, coal, kaolin, and glass sand, paving the way for investments in mining and solid mineral exploration. The state is on the cusp of a remarkable industrial revolution, with the manufacturing sector offering immense possibilities for investors seeking to establish processing and value-added industries.
“The realm of renewable energy points to a greener and more sustainable future. Ondo State is blessed with abundant renewable energy sources, such as solar and biomass, making it an ideal location for investments in renewable energy generation and related infrastructure.
“In addition, the tourism sector holds enormous promise, with the state’s captivating landscapes, wildlife reserves, historical sites, and cultural heritage, which already attract visitors from far and near.”
Meanwhile, Director-General, Ondo State Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU), Babajide Akeredolu, who spoke on the human capacity development of the state, said the body had collaborated with the state civil service, through the Civil Service Innovation Challenge platform, to unearth ingenious and innovative ideas capable of improving the socio-economic fortunes of the state.
According to him, this achievement, among others, is a testament to PPIMU’s dedication and unwavering commitment to delivering a performance-driven administration in Ondo State.
Akeredolu, who spoke at the summit through the Chief Administrative Officer, PPIMU, Olumuyiwa Akinkuolie, said the body would create an enabling environment that nurtures innovation, attracts investments, and fosters sustainable development of Ondo State.
In her address, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative (Operations), Nigeria, Fati Attahiru, expressed the readiness of the agency to support and collaborate with the state towards building a sustainable and inclusive economy that leaves no one behind.
