Says 1,000-business solar intervention, entrepreneur grants and Dangote investment plan demonstrate Governor’s commitment to sustainable wealth creation

The Director-General of Opomulero Group/Movement, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael, has commended Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for unveiling the Lucky Light Initiative, describing it as a forward-looking economic intervention designed to strengthen small businesses, reduce energy costs and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state.

The DG, in a statement reacting to the 2026 ONDEA Entrepreneurs Summit, said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision to provide solar electricity to 1,000 businesses across the 18 local government areas demonstrates a practical understanding of the challenges confronting small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to him, reliable electricity is not simply a social amenity but a critical component of business productivity, profitability and expansion.

“Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is demonstrating that government support for entrepreneurs must go beyond speeches and promises. The Lucky Light Initiative directly addresses one of the major challenges facing small businesses: the high cost and unreliability of electricity.

“By targeting 1,000 businesses across Ondo State, the administration is creating an opportunity for entrepreneurs to reduce operating costs, improve productivity, sustain their businesses and potentially employ more people. This is a development strategy that deserves recognition.”

20 ENTREPRENEURS RECEIVE SUPPORT AS GOVERNOR INVESTS IN HUMAN CAPITAL

Hon. Olakunori also welcomed the recognition of 20 entrepreneurs through the ONDEA My IDEA screening and selection process, noting that funding, mentorship, training and business support can help young people transform innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.

He said the real value of entrepreneurship programmes should be measured by the businesses they help establish, the jobs they create and the communities they positively impact.

“Supporting 20 entrepreneurs is not merely about presenting grants. It is about creating a foundation upon which these young people can build businesses, employ others and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

“We encourage the beneficiaries to use these opportunities responsibly and demonstrate that government investment in entrepreneurship can generate wider economic benefits.”

DANGOTE INVESTMENT PLAN: PROMOTING A CULTURE OF WEALTH CREATION

The Opomulero DG further described the Governor’s announced plan to purchase shares in the Dangote Group of Companies for 500 young entrepreneurs as an initiative that could expose beneficiaries to investment opportunities and encourage long-term financial participation.

He said the proposal reflects the importance of broadening young people’s understanding of wealth creation beyond immediate income to include investment, enterprise development and financial responsibility.

Hon. Olakunori, however, stressed that the implementation framework, eligibility criteria and investment arrangements would be important in determining how beneficiaries participate and benefit from the proposed programme.

AIYEDATIWA’S ENTREPRENEURIAL VISION SUPPORTS THE NEW ONDO

The DG said the administration’s focus on agriculture, agro-processing, technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, the blue economy and export-oriented businesses aligns with the need to diversify Ondo State’s economy and increase local value addition.

He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for emphasizing the transition from raw-material production to processing, packaging, branding and export, describing this as a direction that could create opportunities for businesses across different sectors.

“An economically stronger Ondo State must be a state where our young people can develop ideas, access support, build businesses and participate meaningfully in the economy.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s emphasis on connecting skills to businesses, businesses to finance and businesses to markets is consistent with the need for a more productive and opportunity-driven economy.”

OPOMULERO REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT-FOCUSED GOVERNANCE

Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael reaffirmed the commitment of Opomulero Group/Movement to supporting policies and programmes that promote entrepreneurship, grassroots economic participation and sustainable development across Ondo State.

He urged entrepreneurs and young people to take advantage of legitimate opportunities provided through ONDEA and other government initiatives, while encouraging relevant agencies to ensure transparency, accessibility and effective monitoring of programmes.

The DG congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the ONDEA team, the 20 recognized entrepreneurs and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the summit.

Signed:

Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael

Director-General, Opomulero Group/Movement.