Oye Ekiti, a town in Ekiti State of Southwest Nigeria, and the Municipality of Regöly, Hungary, have formally completed the signing of a landmark Twin Town Agreement designed to promote international cooperation in agriculture, trade, enterprise development, technology exchange, vocational collaboration, culture, and sustainable economic advancement.
In a statement signed by Segun Oke on behalf of Oye City Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYECCIMA), the Regöly-Oye partnership opens new pathways for agriculture, trade, technology exchange, vocational collaboration and grassroots economic development.
The final phase of the signing ceremony was held last week at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Ademolaju Adugbole III, the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, following the earlier Hungarian phase of the Agreement executed in Regöly, Hungary, on April 21, 2026 in the presence of the Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary and the Mayor of Regöly.
The partnership represents a major milestone in positioning Oye Ekiti and neighbouring towns within broader international economic and institutional networks while opening new pathways for mutually beneficial cooperation between local communities in Nigeria and Hungary.
OYECCIMA and the think tank group delegation was led by Barrister Wale Aribatise. The agreement was executed on behalf of OYECCIMA by Segun Oke, Director General of the Chamber and Vice President in charge of Innovation and Technology, alongside His Royal Majesty, the Oloye of Oye Ekiti.
The Hungarian and Regöly business delegation was represented by Mr. Laszlo Mayaluvky and Otunba Omotunde Komolafe, Global Ambassador of the Oye Kingdom.
The event was coordinated by the Vice President (Agriculture) of OYECCIMA, Mr Taiye Akomolafe and witnessed the presence of respected members of Oloye-in-Council, market leaders, business stakeholders, and community representatives, including Eye Oye of Oye Ekiti, Eyeki of Araromi, Iya Loja of Oye Ekiti, Baba Loja of Oye and Ubalara of Idofin
A Symbolic Exchange of gifts also took place between the Palace of the Oloye of Oye Ekiti and the Hungarian delegation on behalf of the Mayor and business community of Regöly, reflecting the growing friendship and mutual respect between both communities. The visiting delegation was further honoured with traditional Yoruba hospitality and cultural welcome ceremonies.
Stakeholders at the event described the agreement as more than a ceremonial relationship, noting that it provides a strategic framework for practical cooperation capable of generating long-term value for businesses, farmers, youth, entrepreneurs and local institutions.
Early discussions and implementation plans already underway include demonstration greenhouse and livestock farming initiatives, introduction of modern agricultural technologies, cottage agro-processing opportunities, vocational and technical exchange programmes, student and expert exchange opportunities with Hungary, business and enterprise cooperation initiatives, establishment of a joint monitoring and implementation team.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen commercial and institutional linkages between Oye Ekiti, Hungary and wider European networks, thereby creating future opportunities for agribusiness collaboration, SME development, Technical partnerships, innovation
exchange, tourism and broader Investment engagement.
As part of the growing bilateral relationship, the Chamber disclosed that plans are also underway for representatives of the Oye business community and Chamber leadership to participate in future engagements and activities in Hungary later in the year.
Stakeholders further noted that the Regöly–Oye partnership could serve as a constructive grassroots template for wider international collaboration involving communities, chambers of commerce, institutions and sister towns within Ekiti State and beyond.
OYECCIMA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the partnership evolves into practical, measurable and community-impacting opportunities capable of supporting sustainable development and economic inclusion.
Dr. Olukayode Oyeleye, Business a.m.’s Editorial Advisor, who graduated in veterinary medicine from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, before establishing himself in science and public policy journalism and communication, also has a postgraduate diploma in public administration, and is a former special adviser to two former Nigerian ministers of agriculture. He specialises in development and policy issues in the areas of food, trade and competition, security, governance, environment and innovation, politics and emerging economies.
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