By Olajide Omojolomoju
The Ondo State Government has taken a bold step in strengthening its Sister-State Partnership, SSP, with the State of Maryland in the United States of America by constituting an implementation committee.
The setting up of the committee was part of renewed efforts to attract investment, create jobs, deepen trade relations and foster sustainable socio-economic development.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity in the Ministry of Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Tayelolu Oladuti.
The statement said that the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Ondo State – Maryland Sister-State Partnership, held at the ONDIPA Hall in Akure.
Membership of the implementing committee include the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Akinlosotu; the state Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun; the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Afolabi Adesoji; the Commissioner for Natural Resources, Engr. Leye Akinola; the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Pastor Adebola Ademuwagun.
Others are the Special Adviser to the Governor on Multilateral and Intergovernmental Relations, Princess Kikelomo Ikuomola; the Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, and the Chief Executive Officer/Vice Chairman of Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, ONDIPA, Barrister Emmanuel Omomowo.
Akinlosotu reiterated that the Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa-led administration 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.
He stressed that 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.
He recalled that Ondo State had 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.
The commissioner noted that the present administration is committed to fully implementing the provisions of the MoU and leverage on 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.
He said, “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.”
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. 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.
Stressing that stronger collaboration would unlock Ondo State’s agricultural potential, attract investment, boost food production, create jobs and accelerate sustainable economic growth, Akinola said, “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.”
The Special Adviser to Governor Ayedatiwa on Multilateral and Intergovernmental Relations, Princess 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 ONDIPA, Barrister 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.
Omomowo 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.