Nigeria: Aiyedatiwa Launches Solar Scheme for 1,000 Ondo Businesses

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has launched the Lucky Light Initiative, a phased solar-energy programme aimed at delivering reliable and affordable electricity to 1,000 small businesses across the state's 18 local government areas.

Aiyedatiwa announced the scheme while speaking at the 2026 ONDEA Entrepreneurs Summit in Akure, in a statement posted on the state's X account on Saturday.

"Energy remains one of the biggest costs of production for our small businesses," he said.

"With the Lucky Light Initiative, we are providing a practical solution that will reduce this burden and help entrepreneurs run their operations more efficiently and profitably."

The governor said the programme will be rolled out in phases to ensure it reaches every local government area in the state.

Support extends beyond solar power

Aiyedatiwa also announced grants and business support packages for 20 young entrepreneurs selected through the ONDEA My IDEA programme, who will receive mentorship and further development opportunities to strengthen their ventures.

He added that his administration is deliberately building an entrepreneurial ecosystem linking skills, finance, technology and markets.

"We are focusing on key sectors with high potential for growth and job creation — agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, the blue economy, technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, creative industries and export-oriented businesses," he said.

In a separate initiative aimed at promoting wealth creation among young people, the governor announced plans to purchase shares in the Dangote Group for 500 young entrepreneurs in Ondo State.

"This is about giving our youths a real stake in one of Africa's leading industrial conglomerates and inspiring a culture of investment and long-term thinking," Aiyedatiwa said.

He urged beneficiaries of the various programmes to make full use of the opportunities.

"Use these interventions to build sustainable businesses, create jobs for others, pay your taxes and mentor those coming behind you," he said. "That is how we will grow our economy together."

The summit also featured contributions from Federal Government officials, business leaders and entrepreneurs, who highlighted the importance of innovation and investment and called for collective efforts to position Ondo State as a stronger destination for enterprise.

The governor did not specify a timeline for the Lucky Light Initiative's phased rollout or the total cost of the programme, details that are likely to shape how quickly the 1,000 targeted businesses gain access to solar power.