…as Gov Imoke wins award for reforms
SAN FRANCISCO, August 21, (THEWILL) – The State of Maryland in the United States of America and Cross River State, yesterday in Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, signed a Sister-State agreement.
While Governor Liyel Imoke signed on behalf of Cross River, Governor Martin O’Malley signed on behalf of the State of Maryland.
This was just as Governor Imoke was given an award in recognition of reforms he has introduced to land administration.
The award was bestowed on the Governor by Thompson Reuters.
The Sister-State relationship provides for each state, a legal form of partnering and utilizing one another’s best practices in research, technical assistance, curriculum development and investments among others.
With the signing of the agreement yesterday, Cross River now partners with key institutions in Maryland such as the John Hopkins International Medicine, the University of Maryland, Maryland Office of Tourism, Maryland Office of Sports, Maryland Center, Bowie State University, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.
Speaking at the event, Governor O’Malley said the partnership will strengthen the already existing bond between Nigeria and his state, even as he hoped the pact will result in improved standard of living for the people of the two states.
“Our greatest asset in Maryland as in Cross River, is our human capital. I believe that all of us understand progress in essentially the same way. It is about the dignity of our home, the dignity of work and the dignity of every child’s potential.
“It is about raising our children in a place that is safe, to be able to give them the ability to learn at higher levels than their parents before them, to support their families in more sustainable ways that hold the promise of even a better future for their children and great grand children.”
He acknowledged Imoke’s effort in revamping education, saying “under his (Imoke) leadership, I understand Cross River State schools are receiving renovation, students are getting scholarships, land reform is spreading development and jobs.”
On his part, Imoke described the event as eminent in the history of the two states.
He said the signing ceremony “marks the beginning of what we hope will be many years of a rewarding relationship between Maryland and Cross River.”
The Governor expressed optimism “about the potentials and possibilities of this partnership for our development in five key sectors: health, education, information and communication, technology, tourism and agriculture.”
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