Ogun State Government has called on neighbouring African countries to join hands with the Nigerian Government to find lasting solution to the boundary related problems in order to bring about peaceful co-existence among their citizens.
The State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga made the call at a stakeholders meeting hosted by the State Government on the resettlement of communities affected by the re-demarcation of Nigeria-Benin International boundary, held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Mrs Onanuga stated that leaders across African countries should endeavour to sustain the existing cordial relationship in the interest of international peace, which she noted would translate to positive socio-economic values among the citizens.
She expressed Government readiness to resettle the inhabitants of the affected areas especially by the construction of a resettlement centre initiated by the National Boundary Commission at Igbokofi and Omilende at the Nigeria-Benin boundary in Yewa North Local Government Area of the State.
The Deputy Governor described the move as a right step that would give the affected communities a sense of belonging and help them allay fears of being neglected and marginalised, urging them to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
Mrs Onanuga admonished the National Boundary commission to expedite action on resolving placement of pillars alongside the outstanding boundary issues between Ogun, Oyo, Lagos and Ondo States.
Responding, the Director General of National Boundary Commission, Dr Muhammed Ahmad said that the resettlement of communities affected by the re-demarcation of the boundaries was considered as a means to achieve international peace.
He stated further that development projects for the affected communities would commence as soon as the Commission receives a nod from the State Government with adequate cooperation from the people of Igbokofi and Omilende communities.