Ondo State to Host the World’s Largest Entrepreneurship Event
Entrepreneurship has been heralded as a transformative force, capable of lifting communities out of poverty and driving global prosperity. This belief will take center stage as Ondo State prepares to host the world’s largest gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and industry leaders at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) from November 22 to 24, 2024, in Akure, Nigeria.
Speaking at the Global Press Conference held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Hon. Wale Akinlosotu, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, representing the state’s Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, underscored the importance of entrepreneurship in tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. “The theme ‘Beyond Boundaries’ resonates deeply with our mission in Ondo State. Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to combat poverty globally. With our rich resources and business-friendly environment, our state is proud to host this groundbreaking event,” Akinlosotu stated.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival promises to be a landmark event, bringing together the brightest minds in business, innovation, technology, and creativity to tackle issues such as climate change, hunger, poverty, and inequality. The festival, themed “Beyond Boundaries: Poverty Eradication through Entrepreneurship,” is designed to accelerate progress toward the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on eradicating poverty.
Dan Walkovitz, a member of the GEF Board and Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Village, emphasized the significance of the festival, stating that it will build upon the outcomes of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA2024) and the Summit of the Future. “GEF will bring together the brightest minds in business, innovation, technology, and creativity for an extraordinary convergence of ideas and inspiration,” Walkovitz added.
The event, which was streamed live across ten countries including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Ghana, India, Liberia, Dubai, and Benin, will feature over 12 concurrent events. These will include networking sessions, business pitches to investors and venture capitalists, an awards gala, an innovation and robotics expo, a hackathon, art and creative exhibitions, a trade fair, a global leadership forum, an international women’s congress, a fashion show, and a grand closing concert. Dr. Summy Smart Francis, Special Adviser to the Ondo State Government on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Project Lead for the GEF, highlighted that the programme is designed to engage, inspire, educate, and empower. “This event is not just about addressing poverty; it’s about transforming the way we think about entrepreneurship,” Dr. Francis remarked.
In a thrilling addition to the festival, the press conference also saw the announcement of the 50th Anniversary of the “Rumble in the Jungle” Boxing Bout. This celebration of sport for development will unite global champions and was heralded by Mr. Don King, represented by Anthony Jones Esq., Founding and Managing Partner of the Jones Firm in the United States.
As Ondo State gears up to host this monumental event, Akure is set to become the epicentre of entrepreneurial innovation this November. The state’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and its rich resources make it the ideal location for this global assembly, which is poised to make a lasting impact on the world stage.
