Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has announced plans to purchase Dangote Petroleum Refinery shares for 500 youths in the state as part of efforts to expose young entrepreneurs to investment opportunities.
Aiyedatiwa made the announcement at the 2026 Ondo State Entrepreneurs Summit held at The Dome, Akure, where over 8,000 entrepreneurs gathered to explore emerging business opportunities.
The governor also officially flagged off the “Lucky Light Initiative,” designed to provide support to 1,000 entrepreneurs across the 18 local government areas of the state.
He said the Dangote Refinery share investment would be in addition to support, funding and mentorship for 20 entrepreneurs who were recognised for distinguishing themselves at the summit.
“Aside the 20 beneficiaries, I will purchase Dangote IPO Refinery shares for 500 youths,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor urged entrepreneurs to change their mindset from simply starting businesses to building enterprises that could survive changing markets and technology.
He said government’s responsibility was not to create dependency but to provide an environment where entrepreneurs could identify and access opportunities.
Aiyedatiwa also advised the beneficiaries to use the support wisely, pay their taxes and mentor others, while urging participants who were not selected for the direct support to use the knowledge gained from the summit to strengthen their businesses.
The summit, organised by Sumi Smart Francis, Special Adviser to the governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, had the theme: “Positioning Entrepreneurs for Emerging Opportunities.”
