The government of Ondo has pledged the commitment of the state to provide a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, especially in agribusiness.

The acting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, made the pledge during a forum on Wednesday in Akure, the state capital.

The one-day seminar has its theme, “Expanding Potentials in Nigeria Non-Oil Export Business”, with speakers from commercial banks, financial institutions, logistics, and agro-trade.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, the state’s deputy governor, said Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s administration has “set Ondo on a glorious path of greatness as government policy was very strong in pushing the growth and development of Agribusiness in the state”.

The acting governor said that though Nigeria had the disadvantage of a predominantly one-product economy of oil, this was the best time for the state to pursue goals essential to its prosperity.

“Agriculture and agribusiness are one of the ways to go. And in Ondo State, the government is doing a lot in agriculture and agribusiness, as the support given to agribusiness in the state is second to none.

“We enjoin potential investors in the state to expand their reach and tap into many opportunities that abound in our state,” he said.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also emphasised that the security architecture that had been put in place made Ondo State the safest place to do business in the country.

“Our primary mandate is security protection and welfare of our people. With the security arrangements this government had put in place, everyone could go about their legitimate business without fear.

“We have the right environment for those with legitimate business to thrive in Ondo State,” he said.

The acting governor equally called for enhanced value addition across the agric value chain.

(NAN)