Ondo State is set to bolster skills acquisition and entrepreneurship among its youth with plans to construct two new technical colleges and disburse N60 million in entrepreneurship grants, announced Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the state governor, during the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Summit held in Akure.
Themed “Innovative Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economy,” the summit underscores the state’s commitment to promoting technical skills acquisition among young people in response to current economic realities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted that the 2024 budget includes provisions for establishing two new model technical colleges in addition to enhancing existing ones across the state.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of entrepreneurs in driving economic development, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to unlock the state’s economic potential.
The governor announced an expansion of the entrepreneurship grants program, increasing the number of beneficiaries from 10 to 20 and doubling the empowerment fund from N30 million to N60 million, with each beneficiary receiving N3 million.
Furthermore, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that N220 million had been approved to support artisans, traders, and SMEs in the state through grants.
Highlighting the state’s global engagement in entrepreneurship, Aiyedatiwa mentioned that Ondo State would host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival during the Global Entrepreneurship Week in November, attracting global leaders, renowned speakers, and entrepreneurs to the Sunshine State.
