Aiyedatiwa unveils solar initiative to power 1,000 Ondo businesses - Punch Newspapers
Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has launched the Lucky Light Initiative, a phased solar-energy programme aimed at delivering reliable and affordable electricity to 1,000 small businesses across the state’s 18 local government areas. In a post obtained from the state’s X handle on Saturday, speaking at the 2026 ONDEA Entrepreneurs Summit in Akure, the Governor described the scheme as a direct economic intervention. “Energy remains one of the biggest costs of production for our small businesses,” Aiyedatiwa said. “With the Lucky Light Initiative, we are providing a practical solution that will reduce this burden and help entrepreneurs run their operations more efficiently and profitably.” He announced that the programme will be rolled out in phases to ensure sustainable impact across every local government in the state.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The governor also revealed grants and business support packages for 20 young entrepreneurs selected through the ONDEA My IDEA programme. The beneficiaries will receive mentorship and further development opportunities to strengthen their ventures. Aiyedatiwa said his administration is deliberately building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that connects skills, finance, technology and markets. “We are focusing on key sectors with high potential for growth and job creation — agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, the blue economy, technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, creative industries and export-oriented businesses,” he stated. VIDEO: Why we keep low profile as Dangote’s children — Halima Dangote Ondo herbal poisoning: Methanol, cannabis found in drinks that killed 48 — NAFDAC Dangote refinery: Nigerians tap savings, loans to buy shares In a further move to promote wealth creation among young people, the Governor announced plans to purchase shares in the Dangote Group for 500 young entrepreneurs in Ondo State. “This is about giving our youths a real stake in one of Africa’s leading industrial conglomerates and inspiring a culture of investment and long-term thinking,” Aiyedatiwa said. He urged all beneficiaries of the various programmes to maximise the opportunities. “Use these interventions to build sustainable businesses, create jobs for others, pay your taxes and mentor those coming behind you,” the Governor charged. “That is how we will grow our economy together.” The summit also featured contributions from Federal Government officials, business leaders and entrepreneurs. Speakers highlighted the importance of innovation and investment, and called for collective efforts to position Ondo State as a stronger destination for enterprise and emerging economic opportunities. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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