Peller: Outcome of Ondo Guber Election Won’t Affect Global Entrepreneurship Festival

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Shina Peller has said that the outcome of last Saturday’s Ondo State governorship election won’t affect the forthcoming Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) holding in the state.

Recall that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi and 15 other candidates to emerge the winner of the electoral contest.

However, Peller in a statement issued Thursday said GEF is a global event that transcends regional politics, focusing on empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.

He emphasised that the festival’s global nature ensures its continuity, regardless of local election outcomes.

According to him, It’s only an enemy of youth and development that won’t support such an event.

Peller explained that this year’s event, scheduled for Friday, November 22-24, 2024, promises to unite innovative minds from across the globe, with over 5,000 participants and 15,000 attendees expected.

He noted: “The recent gubernatorial election in Ondo State has stirred various discussions, particularly with many asserting that if Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had lost, it would have affected.

“GEF is an international event which focuses on empowering entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for innovation.

‘‘Entrepreneurs and investors from around the world will participate and there will be networking opportunities for participants to engage with influential business leaders and establish valuable connections.”

Peller pointed out that the E-Village in Akure where the event is holding is a hub for creativity and collaboration, drawing local and international investors.

He said GEF’s alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly addressing poverty eradication through innovation, underscores its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Peller reassured that governance structure do not dictate the success of the GEF, stressing that the essence of the festival transcends regional politics, focusing instead on empowering entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for innovation.

He noted that while the GEF is inherently an annual, global event holding simultaneously in different countries around the world, the benefits derived from this year will be tangible for the people of Ondo State.

Peller added: “The state is ideally positioned to become a gateway for entrepreneurial activities due to its proximity to the world’s first E-Village.

“This venue is designed to be a vibrant hub for creativity and collaboration, drawing in both local and international investors due to the fact that the location where E-Village in Ondo state is situated, is less than 30 minutes’ drive to both the airport and waterway.”

He added that the festival represents a unique opportunity for Ondo residents and Nigerians at large to engage with influential business leaders, gain insights, and potentially establish valuable connections.

“The people of Ondo state due to proximity will be the first beneficiaries of the project,” Peller remarked, highlighting how the festival can catalyze growth and development within the local economy.

Honourable Shina Peller’s message is clear: while local elections may influence political atmospheres, they do not define the future of entrepreneurial initiatives like the Global Entrepreneurship Festival.

He, however, seized the opportunity to extend his sincere congratulations to Governor Lucly Ayeidatiwa on his re-election victory and wish him the best in office.

Scheduled to occur over three captivating days, the GEF will feature an array of events aimed at inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. Participants can look forward to networking sessions, business pitches to investors, and showcases of innovative technologies.

Among the twelve concurrent events, standout activities include the innovation and robotics expo, a hackathon, and an international women’s congress. Each segment is crafted to ensure that the festival serves as a launchpad for groundbreaking ideas and initiatives, further enriching the entrepreneurial landscape.