To avert conflict that could emanate from boundary matters, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has advocated that such issues surrounding it should be given utmost attention, through dialogue and proper enlightenment with concerned parties.
The deputy governor disclosed this when she hosted the National Boundary Commission (NBC) Committee led by its Director-General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, who were on boundary sensitisation mission on the Benin Republic and Nigerian Border issues in the state in her office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Engr. Salako-Oyedele affirmed that both local and international land issues were sensitive, noting that there was need to approach it with caution, to avert conflict that could emanate from it.
She noted: “Issues of boundary dispute is something that has to be managed very well, especially in this age of social media. We already have an idea of where the pillars were, if not the exact position and base on this, we would be able to persuade our people and assure them of the governments’ support.”
Furthermore, she stressed that the government of both countries need to take immediate actions, and to put an end to the lingering crises, saying the state government would not hesitate to render assistance where necessary, to ensure that its citizens were well protected.
“Ogun is a peace loving state, therefore government will make its position known and take appropriate action on the international border demarcation, after making necessary consultations with all parties involved,” she assured.
In his remarks, Surveyor Adaji explained that the Federal Government has been working with Republic of Benin and Ogun State since 2001, on boundary dispute.
He added that the way out was to hold on to the original 1914 Anglo-French Agreement, where coordinate could be relocated with the cooperation and understanding of the parties involved.
Surveyor Adaji noted that if boundaries were properly defined, it would help prevent issues of claims, encroachment and tension, adding that investigation had shown that the Benin citizens were cautious of carrying out any construction that would exceed their boundary.
He requested that Ogun State government should help enlighten its youths to cooperate with NBC committee in its efforts towards finding a lasting solution to the boundary crises.
