By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Akure, Ondo State — Ondo State has taken a decisive step towards reshaping its economic destiny with the launch of the Ondo Investment Summit 2026, a high-level investor engagement scheduled for February 23, 2026, at the International Cultural and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure. The move, spearheaded by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, reflects a deliberate strategy to reposition the state from a public-sector-centred economy to a diversified, private-sector-driven industrial hub.
At a press briefing ahead of the summit, Dr. Summy Smart-Francis, Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Chairman of the summit committee, described the event as “a strategic economic instrument” designed to attract both domestic and international capital capable of creating employment and accelerating growth. Themed “The New Order: Forging a Pathway to Prosperity,” the summit will bring together global investors, development finance institutions, captains of industry, and diaspora stakeholders to explore opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism, maritime development, solid minerals, and critical infrastructure.
Officials emphasised Ondo’s competitive advantages: Nigeria’s longest natural coastline, rich agricultural resources, significant bitumen and solid minerals deposits, growing cocoa production, and strong strategic connectivity to neighbouring states. Bolstering this agenda, Federal Government authorities recently revalidated the licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port, a project expected to unlock trade, boost exports, and strengthen regional integration, sending a strong signal of investor certainty.
In a statement reflecting an emerging consensus among economists about sub-national growth strategies, Prof. John Page, former Chief Economist for Africa at the World Bank, has argued that “targeted state-level reforms that improve the ease of doing business and infrastructure investment can unlock sustained job-creating private investment and long-term productivity growth.” This perspective resonates with Ondo’s current policy direction.
The summit also anticipates the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including projects in deep seaport development and fertilizer production, positioning Ondo as one of Nigeria’s most promising frontiers for investment.
As global capital converges on Akure next week, Ondo’s leadership insists the message is clear: the sun is rising on a new economic chapter; one built on industrialisation, inclusive growth, and strategic global partnerships.
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