Ondo West Launches Business and Investors Forum, Seeks Economic Growth Through PPP

Ondo West on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, hosted a landmark interactive session bringing together major business owners and heads—including leaders from banks, hotels, eateries, event centers, supermarkets, and pharmacies—at the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Events Centre along State Specialist Hospital Road in Ondo City. The event, organized by Executive Chairman Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, marked a defining moment in the administration’s drive to boost economic development in the local government area.

At the heart of the programme was the unveiling of the Ondo West Local Government Business and Investors Forum, a voluntary alliance uniting business leaders and investors under a shared vision. The Executive Chairman used the opportunity to underscore the importance of Public–Private Partnership (PPP), highlighting it as a cornerstone of his administration’s 15-point agenda. Representatives from various sectors expressed enthusiasm about the initiative and pledged their support.

The stage is now set for the upcoming Ondo West Local Government Business and Investment Summit, a forward-looking event expected to become a watershed in the area’s economic journey. Promoted as a game-changer, the summit will convene key stakeholders to explore ideas and identify opportunities, an epoch-making gathering that many anticipate will deliver lasting impact.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Vice Chairman Alhaji Bashiru Oluwole (Bantolee); Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Mrs. Abimbola Ọ̀ṣífẹ̀sọ̀; Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, MHR and former Member of the House of Representatives for Ondo East and West Federal Constituency; Hon. Ademulegun Adeala; Mr. Oseyemi Aladenika, Chairman of Zenco Events Centre and Suites; Mr. Stanley Nzorem, CEO of GOZAK; and Mr. Sunday Ikegwuru, Manager of Thermocool Showroom.

Business representatives included managers and officials from First Bank (Yaba and Sabo branches), First City Monument Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Union Bank, ECO Bank, Wema Bank, Polaris Bank, Ekimogun Microfinance Bank, AOGO, LAPO, and SEAP. Hospitality sector leaders were also present.

The forum signals a strategic shift from planning to partnership with stakeholders poised to collaborate on shaping the future of Ondo West.