The Ondo State Government is preparing to host the world’s largest gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, creatives, policymakers, and industry leaders at the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF). The festival, themed “Beyond Boundaries: Poverty Eradication through Entrepreneurship,” is scheduled to take place from November 22 to 24 at the Entrepreneurship Village.
Organizers expect around 20,000 participants and a viewership of 20 million from over 67 countries. The event will feature 5,000 participants, 43 global speakers, and coverage from 17 television stations. Dan Walkovitz, a member of the GEF Board, emphasized that the festival aims to eradicate poverty in Nigeria by bringing together leading minds in business, innovation, technology, and creativity.
Dr. Summy Smart Francis, the Project Lead and Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor, described the festival as a platform to address Africa’s challenges and shift mindsets towards solution-oriented entrepreneurship. The event will include networking sessions, business pitches, an innovation expo, a hackathon, art exhibitions, and more.
Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, represented by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Wale Akinlosotu, highlighted Ondo’s readiness to become Nigeria’s entrepreneurship hub, using its resources to support various business sectors and attract global investors.