FROM : AYODELE AJOGE, BIRNIN-KEBBI.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republics of Benin and Niger have signed an agreement to boost cross-border economic activities among the three countries.
The agreement was signed and sealed last weekend in Birnin Kebbi, at the validation of the holistic programme for the development of the three cross-border areas.
This meeting which was attended by the delegations of the Federated State of Kebbi (Nigeria), Department of Alibori (Benin) and the Region of Dosso ( Niger), was also attended by officials of the National Boundary Commission, ECOWAS, other donors agencies and technical partners like GIZ, among others.
Reading the resolution of the meeting, Dr Faruk Musa of National Boundary Commission of Nigeria said that the agreement was aimed at building on the objectives of the multilateral cooperation existing among the three countries.
He pointed out that part of the resolutions was to strengthen the development of the area known as KADO (Kebbi, Nigeria, Alibori Benin and Dosso Niger) with the support of inter-governmental organisations and other partners.
Dr. Musa added that they are also committed to making Kebbi, Aliboro and Dosso cross-border area as a shared development space, adding further that this is with the view to promoting economic and social activities that strengthen the coexistence and resilience of the population.
With this, according to him, they are also committed to ensuring political support as well as local leadership in the implementation and operations of the various initiatives.
Musa also explained that there would be support to activities in favour of livestock mobility between and within different territorial entities of Kado.
Speaking earlier, the chief host and Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu acknowledged the cordial relations that had been existing among the three countries for decades.
He said the two regions of Dosso and Alibori in Niger and Benin republic have historic ties with Kebbi State. "Kebbi borders Niger and Benin republics. The three cross border communities have been living together for many years.
"They intermarried, the people and their traditional rulers have trans human and border relationship." he said.