Ondo State government has signed a sister-state Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maryland in the United States of America.
The Sister-State relationship offers opportunities for social and economic vitality.
Ondo state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, signed on behalf of the Ondo State while Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland signed on behalf of Maryland.
The MoU is to establish links between local governments in the states and empower all sectors of participating communities in the global arena, thereby unleashing citizen diplomacy for development.
It is also meant to leverage on global cooperation, occasioning national inter-dependence.
Governor O’Malley at the signing of the MoU, said the idea is to strengthen relationship between the two states.
He said there are 23,000 Nigerians, many of whom are from Ondo State resident in Maryland who will help deepen the relationship being consummated.
Describing the Ondo State Governor as “one of the most progressive and forward looking Governors in Nigeria”, O’Malley promised to help tackle challenges such as food security, energy security and others facing the two states.
“The things he has been able to do in the areas of health, education and community development are quite remarkable,” O’Malley stated.
In his remarks, Governor Olusegun Mimiko said his government will leverage on the partnership for the development and general well-being of the people of Ondo state.
More than ten provinces, states and prefectures across the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe and America are involved in the sister state relationship of the State of Maryland.
