"We Have Made History" – Dr Summy Smart Francis

– As He Offers Fabulous Prizes to Young Entrepreneurs

– Calling on Global and Local Investors to Invest in Ondo State

– As Global Entrepreneurship Festival Rounds off in Akure

Dr Summy Smart Francis, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, who also serves as the Festival Project Lead, says the government of Ondo State under the leadership of Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has etched its name in history by establishing the world’s first Entrepreneurship Village in Akure through the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (ONDEA). He extols entrepreneurship as the most powerful weapon to eradicate poverty and drive sustainable growth across all sectors.

Speaking at the final Global Press Conference prior to the commencement of the just concluded Global Entrepreneurship Festival held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Nigeria, he lauded the Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for being the first governor to host the largest global entrepreneurship summit in Nigeria's history, while outlining the event's programmes. He expressed faith in the youth as catalysts for ushering in a new era of prosperity, emphasising that the festival aimed to showcase Ondo State on the global stage by creating a traffic which would in turn increase the state's revenue. He added that they were faced with a lot of criticism but chose to remain resolute and forge ahead, and that by the weekend – 22 to 24 November 2024 – Ondo State would shock the world. In his words: "What the world once considered impossible has now been accomplished in Ondo State as we proudly host the first-ever Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria." He therefore called on investors to seize the opportunity to invest in the state and leverage its abundant resources for economic prosperity.

Expressing himself at the Award and Gala Night, he felt emotional, describing the world's biggest Entrepreneurship Festival as a dream come true, and requested the international audience to give a standing ovation for the governor of the state, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship development. He commended the governor’s unwavering dedication to empowering the youth, describing it as a constant source of inspiration.

Summy, while speaking at the closing concert, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the resounding success of the event. He particularly acknowledged the Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Village Board, Mr Dan Walkovitz, and the audience who stayed until the end: "There is no way everyone can win, when your heart towards another is good; that is what is going to open your own doors. Some of you waited to the end, you waited because you wanted to celebrate the winners, how on earth do you think God would not favour you, how! He continued: "Let me tell you some back ends you do not know, despite the cracked voice, the body pain, fatigue, sickness, everything we are going through, there were still nights we tore screening businesses; I saw brilliant innovations and ideas. I am happy to say personally that I am still interested in some businesses – very interested in them, from my office, we will be contacting you." He announced the grant prize winner of $20,000, the first runner up of $10,000, the third prize of ₦250,000 and presented them a cheque each. He also gave out ₦100,000 each to three unexpected participants to boost their entrepreneurship drive.

The Global Entrepreneurship Festival featured 12 mind-blowing events, including Global Leadership Forum, Global Recognition Award/Gala Night, International Women’s Congress, International Fashion Show, Exhibitions, Industry-Driven Panel Sessions, and Closing Concert. It served as a platform for thought leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers to explore innovative ideas and foster collaboration for global economic transformation.

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