Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele has described most boundary issues in the country as political and social cultural, hence the need to approach it with immerse caution and care.
Salako- Oyedele stated this while playing host to National Boundary Commission (NBC) Committe who were on boundary sensitisation mission on the Benin Republic and Nigerian Border issues in the state, led by the Director General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, in her Oke-mosan office.
While Maintaining that both local and international land borders matters are very sensitive, especially in this era of social media where fake news thrive, Engr Salako-Oyedele posited that engaging in dialogue as well as proper enlightenment on the issues with concerned parties are necessary to avert the conflict that could emanate from it.
“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 government support” she said.
The Deputy Governor said that government of both countries need to take immediate actions to put an end to the crises, assuring that Ogun state government would not also hesitate to take necessary action where necessary to ensure that citizens of the state are well protected and taken care of.
She informed that, Ogun is a peace loving state, therefore Government would make its position known and take appropriate action on the international border demarcation after making necessary consultations with all parties involved.
In his remarks, the DG NBC, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, explained that FG has been working with Benin and Ogun since 2001 on boundary dispute, saying the only way out is to stick to the original 1914 Anglo French agreement where cordinate could be relocated with the cooperation and understanding of the parties involved.
Surveyor Adaji noted that if boundaries are carefully and properly defined, it will help to prevent issues of claims, encroachment and tension, saying investigation shows that the Benin citizens are very cautious of carrying out any construction that will exceed their boundary.
He however requested that Ogun state government help to sensitive and enlighten it’s youths to cooperate with NBC committee in its efforts towards finding a lasting solution to the boundary crisis .
