Speaking on behalf of Oyo state at the workshop, with the theme, ‘Transforming Borders from Barriers of Separation to Bridges of Cooperation and Integration, Oyo state deputy Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, who also doubles as the State’s Boundary Committee chairman, said there is the need for a synergy between Nigeria and Benin Republic to bolster economic development and to strengthen our internal security system within the region noting that out of the 770km boundary, Oyo State has 85.3km stretch of the boundary, with Saki-west, Atisbo and Iwajowa local governments sharing boundaries with Benin Republic.
This according to him is to fulfill one of the objective of Boundary definition which among others include the determination of the extent of a territory for economic exploration, administrative convenience, equitable distribution of resources and internal security and urged the National Boundary Commission to approach the parliament for an increase in budgetary allocation to enable it cater for the infrastructure deficit bedeviling the border communities, tackle challenges of insecurity, among others to fill this gap.
The Director General, National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, in his address said the workshop was designed to create a working Platform and improve trans-border relations between composite regions and local Border Authorities as well as the traditional rulers along the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary, owing to the rising challenge of insecurity along border communities and the desire for economic cooperation and integration across borders of the african continent.
On her part, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako, bemoaned the suffering of the residents of the three local governments in Ogun state that shares boundary with Benin republic, and emphasized the need for the National Boundary Commission to create a platform and policy that will support them, protect their lives and properties and also ensure continuous dialogue as we look towards the issues being resolved.
Representatives of the Deputy Governors of the deputy governors of Niger, Lagos, Kwara and Kebbi States, pledged their readiness to adopt a policy to protect lives and properties through community relation, trades and investment opportunity for the greatness of Nigerians.
Royal fathers from various states who also attended the workshop equally advocated for government intervention in local governments that shares boundaries with Benin Republic by providing facilities such as hospitals, good roads, telecommunications and other essential projects that will develop border communities, adding that they deserved to be treated equally and specially, while officials of the Nigeria Customs service, Immigration, Police and other security agencies present also assured of the needed support to strengthen the security of lives and property in the border communities.
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