Convener of OWN ONDO 2028, Prince Demola Adeloye, has identified entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and human capital development as critical drivers of sustainable growth and prosperity for Ondo State, aligning his vision with the transformative development philosophy championed by renowned African entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Tony Elumelu.
Adeloye made this known while commending Elumelu’s unwavering commitment to empowering young Africans through entrepreneurship and enterprise development, describing the Chairman of the Tony Elumelu Foundation as a shining example of leadership that prioritizes investment in people as a catalyst for economic transformation.
According to Adeloye, Africa’s greatest asset is not its vast natural resources but the talent, ambition, creativity, and resilience of its people.
He noted that nations and sub-national governments that prioritize human capital development are better positioned to achieve long-term economic growth and social progress.
“Dr. Tony Elumelu has consistently demonstrated that meaningful development begins when opportunities are created for people to succeed. His commitment to entrepreneurship and youth empowerment has inspired millions across Africa and has provided practical pathways for economic self-reliance and wealth creation,” Adeloye stated.
The OWN ONDO 2028 convener stressed that the future of Ondo State depends largely on deliberate investments in education, innovation, skills acquisition, technology, enterprise development, and job creation initiatives capable of unlocking the potential of the state’s youthful population.
He explained that the vision of OWN ONDO 2028 is anchored on building a prosperous and competitive Ondo State where citizens are empowered to contribute meaningfully to economic development and governance.
Adeloye further argued that sustainable development cannot be achieved through infrastructure alone but requires strategic policies that create opportunities for individuals, businesses, farmers, artisans, professionals, and innovators to thrive.
He noted that as Africa continues to navigate economic and developmental challenges, leaders at all levels must embrace people-centered policies that encourage productivity, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
Drawing inspiration from Elumelu’s philosophy of Africapitalism, Adeloye emphasized the need for governments and private sector stakeholders to work collaboratively in creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation, and enterprise development.
He maintained that empowering young people with the right skills, resources, and opportunities remains one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty, stimulate economic activity, and build resilient communities.
The OWN ONDO 2028 movement, he added, remains committed to promoting ideas and policies that place citizens at the heart of development, insisting that Ondo State’s greatest resource is its people and that the state’s future prosperity will ultimately be determined by how effectively their potential is harnessed.
Adeloye concluded by thanking Dr. Tony Elumelu for his leadership, vision, and enduring contributions to Africa’s development, describing his impact as a model worthy of emulation by leaders seeking sustainable solutions to the continent’s socio-economic challenges.
