……Strategic meeting sets the stage for Ondo State to become Nigeria’s next destination for inclusive investment and digital business innovation

In a significant development for Nigeria’s MSME sector, finance and technology entrepreneur Kenneth Nwokike, Managing Director of Paysys and Founder of Aroda Finance, met with the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to discuss forward-looking strategies aimed at attracting sustainable investment and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region.

A Shared Vision for Economic Empowerment

The high-level dialogue emphasized unlocking Ondo State’s economic potential through a fusion of fintech, entrepreneurship development, and forward-thinking governance. Mr. Nwokike’s tech platforms—Aroda Finance, a business management app, and Synergix Africa, a capacity-building and mentorship initiative—were spotlighted as catalytic tools for transforming the way small businesses operate, scale, and access finance.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, widely recognized for his infrastructural development agenda and unwavering support for local enterprise, reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment: “Our vision is clear: to position Ondo State as a magnet for serious investors and a model for how states can drive inclusive economic growth,” the Governor said. “We are committed to creating the enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive.”

Kenneth Nwokike echoed this vision, praising the state’s readiness to integrate technology into its economic strategy: “Ondo State is one of Nigeria’s untapped frontiers,” he stated. “With the right investment incentives and digital infrastructure, MSMEs here can evolve into regional growth engines. We are here to support that transition.”

Attracting Investment Through Innovation

The meeting outlined several potential initiatives designed to attract both domestic and international investment, including:

Launching a Digital MSME Innovation Hub in Akure

Creating specialized policies to de-risk MSME investment

Hosting a Business and Investment Summit with regional and international stakeholders

These proposals aim to make Ondo State a premier destination for investors seeking emerging markets with robust infrastructure, digital literacy, and scalable growth potential.

Leveraging Technology for Development

With more than a decade of experience in financial technology, Kenneth Nwokike’s vision for MSMEs goes beyond just digital solutions. His company Paysys is currently developing next-generation payment infrastructure intended to rival platforms like Paystack. Meanwhile, Aroda Finance offers small businesses integrated tools for inventory management, order processing, cross-border payments, and CRM.

Synergix Africa complements these digital platforms by providing on-the-ground mentorship, access to capital, and market linkages—building a comprehensive support ecosystem for entrepreneurs.

“Our approach is holistic,” Nwokike explained. “It’s not just about giving MSMEs tools—it’s about creating an ecosystem where they can thrive, attract funding, and build scalable, sustainable businesses.”

A Promising Road Ahead

The emerging partnership between a visionary tech leader and a progressive state government offers a compelling blueprint for driving inclusive economic transformation in Nigeria. As Kenneth Nwokike and the Ondo State Government push forward with joint initiatives, stakeholders in Nigeria’s investment and innovation ecosystem are encouraged to take note.

Ondo State is rising—not just as a center of agriculture and tourism—but as a beacon of MSME resilience, fintech integration, and investor confidence.