Adamawa State Deputy Governor charge border communities on peaceful co-existence.
By Jawati Friday
Forum of States Boundary Committees of states that shares border between Nigeria-Cameroon have appointed Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, as their Chairperson.
This announcement was made during a one-day workshop held in Yola aimed at creating Nigeria’s Platform for Local Border Authorities along the Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary.
The states consist of Adamawa, Borno,Taraba, Benue, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, emphasized the importance of the forum in fostering trans-border cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon.
She explained that this cooperation would serve the collective security interests of both nations while boosting the economy and prosperity of the member states involved.
The Adamawa state Deputy Governor said the historical ties between the two countries predates the arrival of colonial administration.
Out of the two thousand, one hundred kilometers of the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary, Adamawa state shares approximately 600 kilometers, cutting across nine out of the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaji, in his remarks said federal government is aware of the roles played by border local government authorities and traditional rulers in fostering peaceful coexistence between Nigeria and its neighboring countries.
He underscored the importance of their role in facilitating cross-border cooperation and regional integration.
Representing the Director-General, the Director of Research and Policy Analysis, of the National Boundary Commission, Barrister Amina Nyako, highlighted the objectives of the Niamey convention aimed at ensuring effective and integrated border management.
On her part, the Controller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Wura-Ola Adepoju, stressed that a clear demarcation would eradicate stateless individuals falling outside the borders of both Nigeria and Cameroon due to improper border demarcation.
The workshop ended on a note emphasizing the necessity for coherent and concerted efforts to address boundary issues for sustainable peace, security, and development along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
