From Umar Dankano,Yola
Federal government in conjunction with National boundary commission have organised a one day workshop for officials of border authorities along Nigeria-Cameroon International boundry.
The workshop with the theme; ‘Transforming Borders from Barriers of Separation to Bridges of Cooperation and Integration’ would bring out findings towards enhancing security and welfare of border communities.
The training workshop held in Yola Wednesday was attended by Chairmen of Border Committees of frontline states of Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, Benue, Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom as well as traditional rulers among others
In his welcome address,Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaje explained that, the workshop was meant for creation of platform for local border authorities along Nigeria- Cameron Internacional boundry
Represented by Hajiya Amina Nyako, Adaje said the workshop comes at a right time owing rising insecurity along border areas noting that the brainstorming session would avail the government of best ways to tackle these challenges.
Adaje added that it will also facilitate cross border cooperation and regional integration and economic growth as underscored by African Union and Economic Community of West African Union (ECOWAS).
Executive Secretary Border Community Development Agency, Captain Junaid Abdullahi laudeded the efforts for creation of local border authorities as a key catalysts for national cohesion while the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Wura-Ola Adepoju said creating the platform for local border authorities would indeed address smuggling of migrants, banditry among other security challenges.
While declaring the workshop open,the Adamawa state Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said the workshop was apt, coming at a time when the governments are faced with challenges of boundary demarcations.
