In a decisive move to reinforce Ondo State’s economic transformation agenda, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially expanded the portfolio of Summy Smart Francis to include Investment, in addition to his existing responsibilities.
He will now serve as Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Investment.
The announcement was made through an executive order at the Ondo Investment Summit 2026, underscoring the administration’s commitment to positioning Ondo State as a competitive destination for both local and international investors.
Dr. Francis, widely recognised for championing entrepreneurship-led development initiatives, is expected to drive a more cohesive framework linking startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), industrial expansion, and large-scale investment opportunities across the state.
With the expanded mandate, Dr. Francis will coordinate strategic investment initiatives alongside entrepreneurship and innovation programmes — an integration widely viewed as a bold step toward aligning enterprise development with capital attraction and economic expansion.
Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that consolidating the portfolios is aimed at streamlining policy implementation, boosting investor confidence, and accelerating private sector participation in the state’s development agenda.
By unifying entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment under a single advisory office, the administration intends to establish a coordinated framework that supports startups, scales SMEs, and attracts institutional investors into priority sectors including agriculture, technology, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing.
The announcement formed a major highlight of the Ondo Investment Summit 2026, themed “The New Ondo: Forging the Pathway to Prosperity.” The summit brought together policymakers, captains of industry, development partners, and investors to explore transformative opportunities within the state.
The event showcased Ondo State’s economic potential, ongoing policy reforms, and sector-specific investment opportunities. It also highlighted the administration’s focus on improving ease of doing business, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering innovation-driven growth.
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a business-friendly environment anchored on transparency, efficiency, and strategic partnerships. He emphasised that the state’s economic blueprint is structured to unlock productivity, generate employment, and promote inclusive prosperity.
Dr. Francis’ expanded mandate is expected to play a pivotal role in operationalising the state’s investment vision. His office will now serve as the central coordination hub for investment promotion, enterprise growth, innovation policy, and stakeholder engagement.
As the “New Ondo” narrative gathers momentum, the administration’s latest move signals a forward-looking strategy that places entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment at the core of sustainable development.
With renewed leadership alignment and sharpened economic focus, Ondo State appears poised to forge a credible pathway to prosperity.
