Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a robust and diversified economic ecosystem, with strong emphasis on industrialisation, agro-processing, infrastructure development and export-driven growth aimed at positioning the state as a competitive hub for regional and international investment.
The governor’s vision was conveyed by his Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Investment, Dr. Summy Smart Francis, during a high-level strategic engagement with the Vice President of African Export-Import Bank, Mr. Denys Denya, and other senior executives of the bank at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The meeting formed part of the Ondo State Government’s efforts to attract global partnerships, stimulate industrial expansion and create sustainable economic opportunities capable of accelerating development across key sectors of the state’s economy.
Discussions at the meeting centred on unlocking structured industrial financing opportunities, deepening institutional partnerships for large-scale development projects and exploring frameworks through which Ondo State could benefit from Afreximbank’s trade facilitation initiatives and funding platforms.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Francis said the Aiyedatiwa administration remained focused on transforming Ondo into a thriving economic destination driven by innovation, enterprise and strategic investments.
He noted that the state government was aggressively pursuing policies that would strengthen industrial growth, encourage value addition in agriculture and boost export-oriented businesses capable of competing in regional and global markets.
According to him, “Ondo State is strategically positioning itself as a leading investment destination in Nigeria and Africa through deliberate reforms, infrastructure expansion and enterprise-driven initiatives that will unlock sustainable economic prosperity.”
Dr. Francis further explained that the administration was committed to creating an enabling environment for investors by promoting public-private partnerships, supporting entrepreneurship and enhancing critical infrastructure needed for industrial and commercial growth.
He added that discussions also explored possible collaboration in the areas of investment summits, enterprise development programmes and capacity-building initiatives designed to integrate Ondo State more effectively into global economic networks.
The governor’s aide stressed that the engagement reflected the administration’s broader agenda of economic diversification, youth empowerment and private sector-led development, noting that the state was increasingly gaining global visibility for its proactive investment drive.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa is determined to ensure that these international engagements translate into practical benefits for the people of Ondo State through job creation, industrial development and improved economic opportunities,” he added.
Fidelis David
