Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lagos-California Sister-State Relationship

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has celebrated the establishment of a Sister-State relationship between Lagos and California, describing the agreement as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and create new opportunities for people in both jurisdictions.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a post on X after joining leaders of California, members of the California State Legislature and members of the Nigerian community in Sacramento to mark the establishment of the relationship.

The governor said the agreement reflected the existing ties between the people of Lagos and California, particularly Nigerians who have built careers and lives in the US state while maintaining strong connections with Nigeria.

“This agreement shows the strong connections that already exist between our people, especially the many Nigerians who have built lives and careers in California while continuing to contribute to Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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He noted that Lagos and California share similarities as centres of business, technology, entertainment, creativity and innovation, while also having strong coastal connections.

“Lagos and California have much in common. We are both centres of business, technology, entertainment, creativity, innovation and we share a strong connection to the coast. There is much we can learn from each other and even more we can build together,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the contributions of Nigerians living in California, including California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin and former NBA champion Festus Ezeli.

“I was particularly pleased to celebrate with Nigerians who continue to make us proud in California, including California’s Transportation Secretary, Toks Omishakin, and former NBA champion Festus Ezeli,” he said.

According to the governor, the achievements of Nigerians in California demonstrate that the relationship between the two regions is rooted in their people.

“Their stories, along with those of many other Nigerians in California, show us that the relationship between Lagos and California has always been about people,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He expressed appreciation to California Assemblymembers Matt Haney and Isaac Bryan for championing the resolution, as well as Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and others involved in the process.

“My appreciation goes to Assemblymembers Matt Haney and Isaac Bryan for championing this resolution, Mayor Kevin McCarty of Sacramento, and everyone who helped make this important milestone possible,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would seek to translate the new relationship into tangible benefits for residents while strengthening cooperation between the two regions.

“We look forward to turning this new relationship into real opportunities for our people and building an even stronger bridge between Lagos and California,” he added.