Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced that his administration is implementing bold reforms aimed at repositioning the state’s economy for sustainable growth.
The government seeks to transition from a civil service–dependent model to a diversified, industrialised economy.
The governor made the revelation during a press briefing in Akure on Friday, ahead of the 2026 Ondo Investment Summit, themed “The New Order: Forging a Pathway to Prosperity”, set to hold on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the International Cultural and Event Centre (The Dome), Alagbaka, Akure.
Representing the governor, his Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development and Chairman of the Investment Committee, Dr. Summy Smart-Francis, said the summit aims to attract strategic investments that will create jobs and accelerate economic transformation.
“The objective is to move Ondo State from being largely dependent on civil service activities to becoming an industrial and investment hub driven by private sector participation,” Smart-Francis stated.
He disclosed that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) would be signed during the summit, including agreements on the proposed Deep Seaport project, fertiliser production, and other strategic industrial initiatives.
“These projects will boost the economy and generate employment for our people,” he added.
The summit would feature a main session running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a private investors’ roundtable at 4 p.m., where the governor and investment committee members would engage in direct discussions with investors.
Registration is available both online and physically at the Investment House, Alagbaka.
Emmanuel Omomowo, CEO of the Ondo Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), highlighted the state’s openness to investment across key sectors including the blue economy, agriculture, bitumen, solid minerals, and silicon sand.
He said incentives and regulatory reforms have been put in place to create a seamless investment climate.
“The state government has put in place several incentives to ensure ease of doing business, and we have also secured licences for solid minerals to enable investors to operate without difficulty,” Omomowo said.
He further added that the government would provide access to large tracts of land for agricultural and industrial ventures, in some cases free of charge.
Razaq Obe, a member of the Summit Committee, assured that all investment interests generated during the summit would be followed up within 48 hours, reinforcing the state’s commitment to delivering tangible outcomes.
Smart-Francis expressed optimism that the summit would mark a turning point for Ondo State’s economy.
“This summit will bring significant change because concrete investment commitments will be secured.
”These projects will boost internally generated revenue and create massive job opportunities for our people,” he said.
The summit reflects Ondo State’s strategic approach to leveraging its natural resources and location to attract both local and international investors, positioning the state as a new hub for industrial and economic growth in Nigeria.
