In a landmark move to strengthen international ties, the Bayelsa State Government has signed a comprehensive 10-point agreement with the City of Brampton, Canada, aimed at fostering cooperation across multiple sectors of mutual interest.
The agreement, formalised during the three-day Bayelsa-Brampton Trade and Investment Forum at Brampton City Hall, encompassed key areas including education, environmental sustainability, economic development, trade, commerce and investment, as well as innovation, urban planning, and city management.
Additional sectors covered under the pact include agriculture, staff training, local government administration, community relations, energy, culture, tourism, and sports development.
The signing ceremony saw Bayelsa Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN, representing the state, while Brampton’s Director of Economic Development, Denise McClure, signed on behalf of the city.
The event was witnessed by Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.
In his welcome address, Mayor Brown described the forum and Bayelsa’s delegation visit as “special,” noting the strong presence of a Nigerian community in Brampton that has not only integrated seamlessly but continues to contribute to development in both countries.
“The Nigerian community in Brampton numbers around 30,000, and many have sought opportunities for collaboration between our city and states in Nigeria.
“They are a gift to our city—they cherish Brampton while keeping close ties to their roots, ” Brown said.
The mayor highlighted Brampton’s strengths in agro-processing, entertainment, innovation, sports, and medical technology, emphasising the city’s eagerness to explore partnerships with Nigeria in these sectors.
“We see Nigeria as entering a pivotal era of growth, and as one of Canada’s fastest-developing cities, Brampton wants to be part of that success,” he said.
Governor Diri, responding to the remarks, expressed optimism about the potential for deep collaboration.
He highlighted Bayelsa’s rich endowment in natural resources, particularly oil and gas, and its strategic position as the birthplace of Nigeria’s commercial oil production.
“Brampton excels in agro-processing, food security, ICT innovation, healthcare, and skills acquisition areas where Bayelsa can learn and grow.
“We have established a new ICT hub, and there is significant potential in developing our oil palm estates.
”Through this partnership, we can explore joint ventures, factories, and industries that will benefit both Bayelsa and Brampton, ” Diri said.
The Governor directed the Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), led by Director-General Patience Abah, to collaborate closely with Brampton’s team to finalize actionable plans.
He also extended an official invitation to Mayor Brown for a reciprocal visit to Bayelsa, signaling a long-term commitment to the bilateral relationship.
The forum marked a significant step in strengthening Bayelsa’s international partnerships, with leaders from both sides expressing confidence that the agreement would foster sustainable development, knowledge exchange, and economic growth for their respective regions.
