ONDO-EKITI BORDER COLLABORATION: STAKEHOLDERS MEETING TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In a bid to enhance business integration and bolster security measures between Ondo and Ekiti States, Ekiti State Commissioner for Regional development and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Alhaji Makanjuola Kareem Akande paid a courtesy visit to the office of Hon. Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations in Ondo State, Prince Boye Ologbese for collaboration between the two States.
In his opening remarks, Prince Boye Ologbese warmly welcomed the team led by Ekiti Commissioner, said the primary focus of the meeting was to foster closer ties through strategic initiatives.
The Commissioner applauded Governor Oyebanji for the successful revival of the Ikogosi Warm Springs Tourist Center, which has been a significant milestone in promoting tourism within the society. He highlighted the state plans for the construction of a sea port aimed at stimulating the state’s economy and make ease the regional market.
Prince Ologbese emphasized the crucial role of security in the region, he proposed the deployment of Amotekun personnel to rural areas to combat security challenges posed by Herders and Kidnappers, stressing the importance of establishing a comprehensive database for Amotekun and cattle rearers, complete with identification cards for efficient monitoring.
The Commissioner noted that a regional security trust fund that involves collaboration among the six Southwest States is needed, with an emphasis on the vital role of stakeholders in providing necessary funds when required.
In his response, the Commissioner for Regional Development and Inter-governmental Affairs of Ekiti State, Alhaji Kareem Makanjuola Akande expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and underscored the need for collaborative efforts in enhancing security measures between the two states. He stated the importance of developing a good transportation infrastructure, such as roads connecting the two states, to facilitate smooth business operations.
Alhaji Kareem stressed that effort is ongoing concerning the Cargo Airport undergoing construction in the State, assuring the participants that soonest it will be completed and ready for use.
Furthermore, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Regional Development, Prince Tunji Ogunlola lauded the Ekiti government’s initiative in beefing up security by recruiting over 300 forest guards deployed to the rural area to curb criminal activities stressing that with the combined effort of the Amotekun personnel in the town positive result has been recorded.
The SSA explained that a summit is being planned between the States to strengthen the collaboration and further the arrangement of the border market to become a reality.
According to the senior information officer Babalogbon Adeyinka the meeting also witnessed the active participation of the Special Adviser on Diaspora Affairs of Ekiti State, Mrs Debola Adeleye Fasoba who joined remotely via zoom. She expressed enthusiasm for the proposed border business agenda and commended both state governments for their forward-thinking initiatives in fostering regional development and engaging with the diaspora community to drive progress and signals towards a more integrated and secure future for both state and the nation at large.
