Summit: Ondo Govt targets 70,000 jobs through $2 billion Investments
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Apparently worrried by the rate of unemployment in the state, Ondo State government has puy in place plans towards creating over 70,000 new jobs for the unemployed youths and the development of the state.
The plans would attract $2 billion investments to the State with 100 donor partners and 1,500 investors
The Acting Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, made this known while declaring open “Develop Ondo 2.0 Investment Summit” held on Monday at The International Event Centre (The Dome), in Akure, the state capital.
According to him, the government would focus on its major potentials in agriculture, natural gas and mineral resources, and renewable energy to also engage over 100 donor partners and 1,500 investors.
The Acting Governor noted that the objectives of the summit would help 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.
Aiyedatiwa further stressed that the state government remained committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses, recognising them as the backbone of the State’s economy.
His words: “Our 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-addition Industries.
“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 minerals exploration. Our 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 us 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 our State’s captivating landscapes, wildlife reserves, historical sites, and cultural heritage which already attract visitors from far and near.
“The response from potential investors thus far has been highly encouraging, with growing interest in exploring the investment opportunities that Ondo State offers. Our previous summit has borne witness to remarkable success stories, illustrating the effectiveness of this platform in attracting Investments and fostering economic growth in our State and enormous values to our partners and investors”, he added.
In her remarks message, the Deputy Resident Representative, United Nations Development Program, MS. Fati Attahiru commended the Ondo State government for the Initiative and its various investments especially in infrastructural development.
Ms Attahiru, pointed out that government at all levels must recognize the private sector as a dependable partner if it must achieve its goals towards developing the country and tackle development challenges.
In his address, the Director General, Ondo state performance and project implementation monitoring unit, PPIMU, Babajide Akeredolu, said, “As a delivery unit, PPIMU is committed to ensuring that the goals and objectives of the REDEEMED Agenda are achieved through effective monitoring, collaboration, and the spirit of “One Administration”. We have prioritized Collaboration, Communication, Collection (of data) and Coordination as key success pillars on this mission. We firmly believe that the marriage of development and investment promotion is essential for the sustainable growth of our state.