Cotonou, Benin Republic – The Executive Chairman of Ipokia Local Government, Hon. Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh, is currently leading Ogun State’s delegation at a high-profile international meeting in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, where Nigeria and Benin are formalising Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cross-border cooperation in the Boo, Baatonu, and Nago-Yoruba linguistic zones.
The event, taking place at Azalaï Hôtel, brings together representatives from Nigerian states sharing borders with Benin, including Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun. The MoUs aim to enhance collaboration on peace, security, and socio-economic development in communities along the international boundary.
This meeting follows the earlier engagement held in Parakou, Benin Republic, from 2nd to 3rd May 2025, where foundational agreements were initiated under the Nigeria-Benin Cross-Border Cooperation Framework signed in April 2024. Ipokia Local Government played a pivotal role in those discussions, championing initiatives to reconnect historically linked communities and foster regional integration.
Hon. Avoseh’s participation underscores the commitment of Ogun State and the Federal Government of Nigeria to promoting trans-border harmony and development. The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises regional stability and inclusive diplomacy. It also reflects the vision of Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON, whose ISEYA Development Agenda emphasises rural transformation, cross-border partnerships, and cultural preservation.
The Cotonou meeting is expected to yield actionable resolutions that will deepen Nigeria-Benin relations and unlock development projects benefiting border communities in Ipokia and other affected regions.
