Buhari, Amosun’s pragmatic approach saved oil-rich Tongeji Island – Ogun elders

A group of elders, under the auspices of Ogun State Elders’ Consultative Forum, has revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s pragmatic approach saved oil-rich Tongeji Island, a border town between Benin Republic and Nigeria, from being annexed by the latter.

Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of the group, Aremo Taiwo Allimi, group coordinator, said it was the report of their investigation to the Island, located in Ipokia Local Government of Ogun State, that was acted upon by the Presidency and this eventually stopped illegal advances of the neighbouring country.

According to him, both the Federal Government and the state should improve their presence on the Island to give the inhabitants a sense of belonging as citizens of Nigeria, as Nigeria would lose not only her mineral resources and endowments to Benin Republic, but also her people if efforts were not taken to prevent intruders.

He noted that the government presence should take the form of infrastructure – like schools, health centres and the construction of a vital bridges, which will connect the Island to the nearest mainland in Ipokia, thereby preventing the triangular journey of entering Republic of Benin first before heading to Nigeria, their original destination.

He, however, noted that latest reports received by the group that worked on the island, had already commenced on the all-important bridge, as the efforts would improve relationship between Nigeria and her people along the border area.