Ondo State launches solar initiative for 1,000 small businesses

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has launched the ‘Lucky Light Initiative,’ a phased solar-energy program designed to provide reliable and affordable electricity to 1,000 small businesses. The initiative covers all 18 local government areas in the state and is intended as an economic intervention to reduce production costs for entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the 2026 Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) summit, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that connects skills, finance, and markets. He identified several high-growth sectors for state focus, including agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, the blue economy, technology, and renewable energy. The administration aims to transition the state from a producer of raw materials to a hub for processed and branded value-added products.

In addition to the solar program, the Governor announced grants, mentorship, and business support for 20 young entrepreneurs through the ONDEA My IDEA program. He also revealed plans to facilitate the purchase of shares in the Dangote Group for 500 young entrepreneurs in Ondo State to promote wealth creation and stakeholder participation among the youth.