DOVER, DELAWARE – Monday, November 24, 2025 – A transatlantic partnership aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and youth entrepreneurship was formally sealed today between Obafemi Owode Local Government in Ogun State, Nigeria, and the City of Dover, Delaware, in the United States.
The agreement was announced by the Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina ‘Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, during an Official Award Presentation and Cultural Exchange Ceremony at the Dover Legislative Council.
As a cornerstone of the new partnership, Amb. Ogunsola announced the allocation of ten hectares of land in Obafemi Owode for joint agricultural projects with Dover. The initiative is designed to foster collaborative development in areas including agricultural research, mechanized farming, and youth agro-entrepreneurship programs.
“This partnership will see our farmers, agronomists, and policymakers share knowledge and innovations that can transform local economies and ensure food production for both communities,” Ogunsola stated during his address to the plenary.
The ceremony served to strengthen the strategic friendship between the two governments, which began with a visit by the Nigerian delegation in April 2025. Ogunsola reflected on the symbolic gesture from Mayor Robin R. Christiansen during that first visit, who invited him to sit in the Mayor’s chair, calling it a powerful message that “leadership is not about position but service.”
In his remarks, Mayor Christiansen welcomed the deepened ties, acknowledging the role of individuals like Dr. Charles Adejoro, Special Assistant on International Relations, in fostering the connection.
“The legacy of service to his community and his people is so inspiring, as it bridges friendship between our two great Nations,” Mayor Christiansen said of Chairman Ogunsola. He assured that the Dover City Council and the Delaware government would provide proper funding to ensure the full actualization of the agricultural programs.
The partnership is framed within the broader context of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasizes international collaboration and bilateral trade relations. The Obafemi Owode delegation also toured a working farm in Dover to gain practical insights.
Obafemi Owode Local Government, strategically located between Lagos and Abeokuta, was recently recognized as the third-best Local Government in Nigeria. The area is known for its fertile farmlands and is positioned as a hub for agriculture, trade, and industry.
