Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has expressed delight over the level of understanding and brotherliness that exist between boarder communities of Nigeria, Niger and Benin Republics.
The governor made his feelings known when he received a delegation comprising Governors from the two countries, Boundary Commission representatives from Nigeria, Niger and Benin Republics as well as ECOWAS on a courtesy visit in Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
The visit was part of the line-up activities for 2021 Pastoralists Week Workshop going on in Kebbi, the state capital.
Bagudu, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, Jarman Kabi, was also emphatic that the inhabitants of Nigeria, Benin and Niger would remain as one people irrespective of the artificial borders created by colonial masters.
He was particularly appreciative of the fact that the two governors acknowledged the lingering relationship between the three countries dated back to pre-colonial era.
The governor expressed happiness that the relationship still exist despite the artificial boundaries created by colonial masters, yet, the boarder communities speak the same language, the same culture and inter-marriages existed among them.
Bagudu was also emphatic that the inhabitants of Nigeria, Benin and Niger would remain as one people irrespective of the artificial borders created by colonial masters.
He described the workshop as highly important and relevant in view of the large number of pastoralists in the three countries.
The governor advised the participants to harness the outcome of the meeting beneficial to pastoralists, fishermen and poultry producers towards enhancing trade relationship among West African nations.
He informed his guests about the remarkable achievement recorded by the administration of Governor Atiku Bagudu in agricultural production of rice and other crops, livestock development including poultry as well as fisheries.
In addition, the governor has introduced modern dairy production among Fulani women milk sellers away from the traditional hawking of milk to yoghurt production and preservation.
He affirmed commitment of Kebbi State Government to strengthening relationship with Dosso in Niger Republic and Alibori in the Republic of Benin.
There is a general consensus among Nigeria, the Republic of Benin and Niger Republic, that the borders between African countries are artificial barriers created by the colonialists to stifle the growth of the continent and divide its people.
The Governor of Dosso in Niger Republic, Alhaji Assumana Ahmadou conveyed the fraternal salutations of the President of Niger Republic, Bazou Muhammad to the government and people of Kebbi State and Nigeria as a whole.
Alhaji Assoumana Ahmadou described the citizens of Nigeria, Benin and Niger as the same people with similarities but splited by artificial boundaries by the colonialists.
The Dosso Chief Executive expressed happiness to be in Kebbi State for the meeting, saying such gathering for direct contact, afforded an opportunity to the three countries for synergy to strengthen unity and cooperation.
Furthermore, the meeting provided forum to resolve recurring issues among the nations as brethren.
Likewise, the Director-General of Benin Republic Boundary Commission Dr. Marcel Ayite Baglo, who spoke on behalf of the prefect of Alibori, remarked that borders between African nations were created to divide and delay the development of the continent by colonial masters.
Dr. Marcel Ayite Baglo was however happy that African leaders have intensified efforts on integration among their people which culminated in the creation of ECOWAS and similar organisations.
He hoped that the pastoralism week hosted by Kebbi State would serve as a catalyst of fostering fraternal relations and brotherliness among West African nations.
The Benin Boundary DG thanked the leadership of Kebbi State under Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for laying sound foundation of unity and understanding between the people of the state and their neighbors across the border.
The Deputy Executive Secretary, permanent Interstate Committee for the control of Drought in the Sahel, Dr. Paul Ouedraogo, was full of praises for Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for his immense effort to boost pastoral development among the three countries.
Among Kebbi State Government officials at the courtesy call were the commissioners of Animal Health, Lands and Housing, Commerce and Industry, Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as information and Culture.
Others were the Chairmen of Bagudo, Dandi and Arewa Local Government Councils, as well as the District Heads of Kamba, Bachaka and Kende.
Present on the side of the visitors were the Governor of Alibori in Benin Republic Ky-Sama Bello, Mayor of Segbana Mr. Bio Tiam and Mayor of Malanville Alhaji Gaidami.
From Niger Republic were the Chairman of Gaya, Alhaji Haruna Adamou, Sarkin Gaya, Alhaji Abdou Gazale and the Mayor of Gaya, Alhaji Boureima Mounkaila.
