Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the governor of Ondo State, has said that the State will host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in November, 2024.
The governor stated the event was expected to be the World’s largest assembly of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, creatives, policymakers, and industry leaders in which they would converge on the Entrepreneurship Village in Akure, Ondo State from 22 to 24 November, 2024.
The governor stated this in a media briefing held in Lagos on Wednesday to unveil plans for the event in November.
The news conference was streamed live across ten countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Ghana, India, Liberia, Dubai, and Benin.
The festival was themed, “Beyond Boundaries: Poverty Eradication through Entrepreneurship”.
The governor, who was represented by Wale Akinlosotu, the Commissioner for Information, said the theme of this year’s event resonates deeply with the State mission, while emphasizing the State collective belief that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool in addressing poverty in every corner of the globe.
“For us as a State, this festival is not just an event, it is a movement aimed at inspiring individuals and communities to harness their entrepreneurial spirit to create sustainable solutions for poverty alleviation.
“I am particularly proud that this laudable initiative is being hosted in our dear state , Ondo State, Nigeria. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive. We are excited to showcase the rich potential of our state”, the governor said.
A member of the GEF Board and Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Village, Dan Walkovitz, said that the festival would build upon the outcomes of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA2024) and the Summit of the future.
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He further noted that the event was meant to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a laser focus on eradicating poverty.
Summy Smart Francis, Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Project Lead for the GEF, said the programme was designed to engage, inspire, educate, and empower people, especially young entrepreneurs.
“The among the festival is designed to address Africa’s challenges and shift mindsets, the event is not just about addressing poverty; it’s about transforming the way we think about entrepreneurship”, Francis said.
While adding a significant punch to the festival’s line-up, the press conference also saw the announcement of the 50th Anniversary of the “Rumble in the Jungle” Boxing Bout.
The event, which would unite global champions in celebration of Sport for Development, was heralded by Don King, represented by Anthony Jones Esq., Founding and Managing Partner of the Jones Firm in the United States.
Jones stated that there would be boxing bout at the event to commemorate the entrepreneurship summit.
Also speaking, Shina Peller, a member of the event board, said the festival was not just an event, but a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship that resides within each and every one.
