Ondo State Charts New Economic Future, Invites Global Investors
The Government of Ondo State has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to transforming the State into a leading industrial and investment destination in Nigeria and West Africa. This declaration came during a high-level press conference held ahead of the Ondo Investment Summit 2026, where officials outlined ambitious plans for economic transformation.
Visionary Leadership and Strategic Framework
Speaking at the briefing, Dr. Summy Smart Francis, Chairman of the Ondo Investment Summit Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, stated that the initiative reflects the forward-looking vision of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The Governor has committed to institutionalizing the Investment Summit as an annual platform for sustained engagement with global capital and industry leaders.
Dr. Francis described the Summit as a strategic economic instrument designed to attract both domestic and international investors while deliberately repositioning Ondo State for long-term growth, competitiveness, and shared prosperity. The Ondo Investment Summit 2026 represents a clear expression of the Governor's visionary leadership under the "OUR EASE" agenda, which continues to redefine governance and accelerate economic advancement across the State.
Through strategic reforms, investor-friendly policies, and deliberate efforts to simplify business processes, the administration has created an enabling environment where enterprise thrives and partnerships flourish. Built on the pillars of efficiency, accessibility, and economic sustainability, the "OUR EASE" philosophy has strengthened investor confidence and positioned Ondo State as one of Nigeria's most promising frontiers for growth and innovation.
Competitive Advantages and Economic Potential
Members of the State's economic team emphasized Ondo's unique competitive advantages during the press conference. These include:
- The longest natural coastline in Nigeria
- Vast agricultural potential
- Significant bitumen deposits
- Expanding cocoa production
- Strong diaspora remittance inflows
- Strategic connectivity to seven neighboring states
These assets provide a solid foundation for accelerated industrialization and export-led growth. According to officials, Ondo State is strategically positioned to transition from a predominantly civil service-driven economy to a diversified, private sector-led industrial powerhouse.
Diaspora Investment Focus
The Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Wale Akinlosotu, highlighted the administration's strong focus on Direct Diaspora Investment (DDI). He noted that remittance inflows already contribute significantly to the State's economy and explained that the Summit aims to convert diaspora goodwill into structured, bankable investments capable of building sustainable industries, stimulating enterprise growth, and generating employment opportunities.
Summit Details and Expectations
The Ondo Investment Summit 2026 is expected to convene global investors, development finance institutions, captains of industry, diaspora investors, and key stakeholders to explore high-impact opportunities across multiple sectors including:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Tourism
- Energy
- Maritime development
- Solid minerals
- Critical infrastructure
The event will feature high-level sectoral discussions, targeted investment presentations, and a closed-door investor roundtable with the Governor. This demonstrates the administration's commitment to direct engagement, policy clarity, and expedited decision-making.
The Ondo Investment Summit 2026 is scheduled to hold on Monday, 23rd February 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Participation is strictly by prior registration and accreditation. Prospective delegates, investors, and stakeholders are required to register in advance through official channels.
Investment Readiness and Future Outlook
With structured investment facilitation mechanisms in place through the State's investment promotion framework and a streamlined business entry process, Ondo State has declared itself open, prepared, and ready for global partnership. The State's economic team emphasized that Ondo is rising and the world will witness its transformation through strategic investments and sustainable development initiatives.
The Summit represents a pivotal moment in Ondo State's economic history, marking a deliberate shift toward industrialization and private sector-led growth that promises to create lasting prosperity for residents and investors alike.
