Hakeem Gbadamosi, Author at Tribune Online

At least 300 investors are expected to attend the Ondo Global Entrepreneurship festival, tagged the World's largest entrepreneur focus event slated from November 22 to 24, 2024 in Akure, Ondo state capital. This landmark event, known as the world's largest gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders, is aimed towards solidifying the country’s role as a powerhouse in the global business ecosystem. Speaking during a press conference to herald the event, the Project Lead and Special Adviser to the governor on Entrepreneurship, Summy Smart Francis, said that the festival is targeted to drive economic opportunities across all levels of the economy. He disclosed that tickets to the highly anticipated Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF), have officially been sold out. Addressing newsmen in Francis noted that "the event marks a milestone as Governor Aiyedatiwa becomes the first Nigerian governor to host the festival. "Over three days, the festival will offer a dynamic lineup of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions and networking opportunities. "The festival is designed to inspire collaboration and knowledge-sharing among thought leaders in technology, finance, agriculture, and creative industries, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase groundbreaking ideas and innovative solutions. "Notable speakers are expected to include top-tier global CEOs, founders of Fortune 500 companies, and influential changemakers in business, leadership and innovation. "The rapid sell-out of tickets underscores the growing appetite for entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa and the world. “The sell-out demonstrates the power of entrepreneurship in creating opportunities and transforming economies, particularly in Africa. "We believe that the conversations and connections made during these three days will have lasting impacts on business communities globally.” "For those unable to secure tickets, GEF 2024 will provide virtual participation options, ensuring that the event remains accessible to a global audience. "Virtual attendees will have access to live-streamed sessions, interactive workshops, and exclusive digital networking platforms. "The Global Entrepreneurship Festival is expected to shape the future of business, offering a platform for ideas that will drive growth, innovation, and inclusive development worldwide. He highlighted the festival’s significance, with 12 key activities planned, including a conference featuring global speakers, networking sessions, and opportunities to connect with innovators and investors. “This event will generate significant revenue for Ondo State and position it as a hub for entrepreneurship. "The event, described as a destination festival, features a lineup of activities, including a summit, leadership forums, exhibitions, a fashion show, robotics and innovation expos, and a show-stopping closing concert. "Promotions for the event have reached international platforms such as Times Square in New York, alongside prominent displays in Abuja and Lagos. "The event will bring together thousands of participants from across the globe, with over 20,000 attendees ranging from early-stage and renowned entrepreneurs to seasoned investors, tech innovators, global leaders and policy-makers. 'This is a pride for Africa. It’s not just about Ondo State; it’s about showcasing Africa’s potential. From grassroots entrepreneurs to global investors, everyone has something to gain here. The festival’s Head of International Relations, Emmanuella Daniel, said that the fact that tickets sold out a month in advance shows the eagerness of entrepreneurs to engage in meaningful dialogue and innovation. Daniel said "This event is designed to be a game-changer, not only for those attending in person but for the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is a testament to the festival’s growing importance on the global stage. "Although in-person attendance is no longer available, GEF 2024 will offer virtual tickets, allowing participants from across the globe to join the event online. Virtual attendees will have access to live-streamed keynotes, panel discussions, and exclusive networking opportunities via a state-of-the-art digital platform. "GEF 2024 is expected to drive critical conversations on entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development, particularly in emerging markets like Africa." Speaking on the event, the state information Commissioner, Wale Akinlosotu, described the event as transformative and lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and youth development. Akinlosotu said “This is a proud moment for Ondo State under the exceptional leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa. He also assured of adequate security protection for those that will attend the ceremony. Other speakers, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lola Fagbemi, emphasised the festival’s potential to empower young people and promote gender equality. The Director of Business Development at ONDIPA, Femi Akarakiri, commended the governor for keeping the festival free of political undertones and noted the state’s vast potential in manufacturing and innovation. Akarakiri said that the state could become Nigeria’s economic hub within the next two decades. The Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, assured attendees of comprehensive healthcare support during the event, with emergency response teams on standby. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Oyo govt declares support for food festival in Ibadan