ABOUT
On May 12 2012, Ondo state was selected among many other states from Nigeria seeking sister state relationships, with the state of Maryland.
Ondo state, is one of the thirty six states in Nigeria. It was created on February 3rd 1976, from the former Western state. The state Capital is Akure, with a population of 3.5million people.
Business opportunities
Ondo state is one of the oil producing states in Nigeria, it has the 2nd largest bitumen deposits in the world. Also, it has one of the largest natural gas deposits in the world. Other mineral raw materials available in the state include: Granite, Marble, Gold, Gemstone, Clay, Diorite, and Lignite. Upon completion of the Olokola free trade zone, Ondo state will boast of the largest deep sea port in West Africa.
Ondo state, is endowed with abundant natural resources in agriculture and forestry. The State is the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria. Other agro raw materials available in commercial quantity throughout the state are: Maize, Yam, Plantain, Kola nut, Coffee, Coconut, Vegetables, Timber, Banana, Rice, Cotton, Piggery, Cassava, Fish, Palm oil and Rubber.
Culture and Tourism
Ondo state has a very rich cultural heritage, with an enviable traditional institutions. It is a tourist haven with the best tourist attractions in Nigeria.
Education
Ondo State has the largest educated work force in Nigeria.
Government
Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, is the democratically elected Executive Governor of Ondo state. He is serving a second term of four years in office beginning February 3rd, 2013. He is a visionary leader with many distinguished accomplishments.
INITIATIVES
Shortly after the selection, the Sister State committee comprising mostly Ondo State indigenes in Maryland, was constituted to help actualize the vision and the mission of the Sister State initiatives. Thereafter and in conjunction with the office of the Secretary of State of Maryland, and Community business leaders, the committee began the planning logistics to visit Ondo state.
On Nov 8th 2012, over 25 business delegation led by Maryland Secretary of State John McDonough, traveled to Ondo states Nigeria to explore business opportunities and the signing of the friendship agreement between the two states. Upon arrival in Lagos, Nigeria, on the 9th, the delegation were treated to a befitting reception by the African Business Owners Forum Inc., and the Black Rock Corporation, these are Maryland companies. Subsequently, the delegation proceeded to Ondo state where they visited some important landmarks such as Gani Fawehinmi diagnostic center, the Mother and child hospital, the Trauma center, Mega School at Akure. Thereafter, they visited palaces of Deji of Akure, the Owa of Idanre kingdom and the Osemawe of Ondo kingdom. The delegation also climbed the 535 steps famous Idanre hills, which is a UNESCO site. After several business meetings and ceremonies sponsored by the Ondo state government and private sector for the delegation, on the 19th of November.2012, the friendship agreement was officially signed between Ondo state secretary to the state government Dr. Aderotimi Adelola and Maryland Secretary of state Mr. John McDonough. The friendship agreements paved the way for the official MOU signing between the two states governors Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Governor Martin O’Malley on the 7th of June 2013.
THE LATEST
The Governor of Ondo State, Nigeria, sent a letter of greeting in reply to Secretary Wobensmith’s April letter of welcome to the new Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu. The Maryland-Ondo State Sister State relationship was established in 2013.
CONTACT
Chris Akinduro – Chairman Ondo State/Maryland committee, (703)624-5890, xtophercpa@aol.com
Frank I. Akinkoye – Vice Chair, (240)463-3610
Richard Oluwasanmi – Secretary
Dr. Darcy Ibitoye – Treasurer
Dr. Joel Ademisoye – Head-Education Committee
Rotimi Ikusika – Head-Tourism Committee
Dr. Darcy Ibitoye – Head-Health Committee