The Ondo State Government has constituted an implementation committee to strengthen its Sister-State Partnership with the State of Maryland, United States of America, as part of renewed efforts to attract investment, create jobs, deepen trade relations, and foster sustainable socio-economic development.
The Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Ondo State – Maryland Sister-State Partnership held at the ONDIPA Hall in Akure.
The implementation committee comprises Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations; Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology; Hon. Afolabi Adesoji, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Engr. Leye Akinola, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources; Pastor Adebola Ademuwagun, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Princess Kikelomo Ikuomola, Special Adviser on Multilateral and Intergovernmental Relations; Prof. Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser on Health; and Barrister Emmanuel Omomowo, Chief Executive Officer/Vice Chairman, Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA).
Akinlosotu said the administration of Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is revitalising the existing Sister-State relationship with Maryland to deepen bilateral cooperation and unlock mutually beneficial opportunities in investment, education, agriculture, technology, tourism, culture, infrastructure, healthcare, and pharmaceutical development.
According to him, the initiative is in line with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision of positioning Ondo State as a preferred destination for local and foreign investment while driving inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
The Commissioner recalled that Ondo State signed a Sister-State Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State of Maryland in 2013 to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest and strengthen institutional and people-to-people relationships.
He noted that the present administration is committed to fully implementing the provisions of the agreement and leveraging the partnership to attract investment, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, promote cultural exchange, strengthen healthcare collaboration, and create employment opportunities for the people of Ondo State.
Akinlosotu further explained that the MoU provides for the establishment of implementation committees by both governments to coordinate and drive the partnership.
“We are from the African continent, while they are from the Americas. Our objective is to identify areas where both governments can collaborate for mutual benefit, including agriculture, education, culture, tourism, infrastructure development, pharmaceutical production, healthcare and technology exchange.
“The State of Maryland has already constituted its implementation committee and remains committed to sustaining the partnership. It is therefore imperative for Ondo State to activate its own implementation committee and fully maximise the immense opportunities available through this strategic relationship,” he said.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Leye Akinola, emphasised the need for government agencies, private investors, development partners, farmers, and agribusiness operators to work together in harnessing the enormous opportunities presented by the partnership.
He said stronger collaboration would unlock Ondo State’s agricultural potential, attract investment, boost food production, create jobs, and accelerate sustainable economic growth.
“Only through collaboration and shared responsibility can we fully realise the benefits of this partnership and position Ondo State as a leading hub for agribusiness and agro-industrial development in Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Multilateral and Intergovernmental Relations, Princess Kikelomo Ikuomola, highlighted the state’s vast investment opportunities in cocoa production, tourism, manufacturing, solid minerals, healthcare, and the blue economy.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Aiyedatiwa administration to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing security as part of efforts to attract both domestic and international investors.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer/Vice Chairman of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Barrister Emmanuel Omomowo, described the partnership as a strategic platform for knowledge transfer, innovation, technology exchange, and capacity building, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He added that increased investment arising from the collaboration would promote industrialisation, enhance value addition to agricultural products, strengthen local manufacturing, and generate sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Ondo State.
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