The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has called on governments, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to work towards peaceful and lasting solutions to boundary disputes across the country.
Adelami made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at the opening of the three-day Annual National Assembly/Border Communities Stakeholders’ Interface.
He said boundary disputes should not be allowed to threaten peace, security and socio-economic development, stressing that disagreements over territorial boundaries should be resolved through dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for constitutional and legal processes.
The deputy governor urged governments at all levels, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies and relevant institutions to strengthen collaboration in preventing the escalation of boundary-related conflicts.
According to him, sustained stakeholder engagement remains the most effective means of promoting peaceful coexistence and preserving the long-standing relationships among neighbouring communities.
Adelami also commended the National Boundary Commission and the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration for creating a platform that encourages dialogue and consensus-building on boundary management.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, underscored the need for greater cooperation among states and border communities in addressing boundary-related issues.
She urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation, noting that the peaceful resolution of disputes is critical to protecting lives and investments, while creating an enabling environment for economic growth and social harmony.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration, Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe, said the stakeholders’ interface was conceived as a sustainable platform for discussions on boundary-related challenges affecting communities across the country.
Similarly, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, described the gathering as a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders involved in boundary administration.
He noted that effective boundary management extends beyond physical demarcation and requires continuous dialogue, community participation and strict adherence to established legal frameworks to prevent conflicts and promote sustainable development in border communities.
The event featured paper presentations on issues relating to boundary disputes, security, conflict prevention and effective border management.
