A NEW ERA OF COOPERATION: RT. HON. SUNNY EKPETIKA EKPESON, CHAIRMAN OF ALGON EDO STATE CHAPTER, CELEBRATES LANDMARK AGREEMENT BETWEEN EDO AND KOGI STATES TO RESOLVE BOUNDARY DISPUTE AND ENHANCE REGIONAL SECURITY_Abuja

*A NEW ERA OF COOPERATION:* *_RT. HON. SUNNY EKPETIKA EKPESON, CHAIRMAN OF ALGON EDO STATE CHAPTER, CELEBRATES LANDMARK AGREEMENT BETWEEN EDO AND KOGI STATES TO RESOLVE BOUNDARY DISPUTE AND ENHANCE REGIONAL SECURITY_*_Abuja_ – The people of Edo State are breathing a sigh of relief as the _National Boundary Commission_ *(NBC)* reaffirms its support for the state’s position on the 2006 boundary accord with Kogi State. This significant development marks a major milestone in the efforts of *Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson,* Ag. chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, and chairman of *ALGON* Edo State Chapter, to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute between _Etsako East Local Government Area_ and _Okene Local Government Area._However, thanks to the efforts of *Rt. Hon. Ekpeson,* who doubles as Chairman of *ALGON* Edo State Chapter, and the Deputy Governor of Edo State, *Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa,* a lasting solution is in sight. The National Boundary Commission *(NBC)* has reaffirmed the 2006 boundary accord, paving the way for joint demarcation efforts. The agreement will see both states working together to properly structure and check their shared border, with a focus on enhancing security and promoting peace.The people of *Okene* and *Etsako East* are breathing a sigh of relief, eager to reap the benefits of this development. With machinery set to be deployed to demarcate the boundary, residents can look forward to a brighter future, free from the scourge of insecurity. This is a testament to the power of collaboration and dialogue, and a significant step forward for the region.The boundary dispute, which has been a thern in the flesh of the people, has been a breeding ground for insecurity, with reports of kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and lawlessness plating the area.The boundary between the *Okene* and *Etsako East* had become a hotbed of kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry, partly fueled by fake news and misinformation spread by some settlers, including herdsmen, who falsely accused Etsako East Local Government Council Chairman, *Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson,* of attempting to hijack the land. This led to tensions between the two local government chairmen, prompting the intervention of Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator *Monday Okpebholo,* and his Kogi State counterpart, Governor *Ododo.*However, with the *NBC’s* reaffirmation of the 2006 boundary accord, there is renewed hope that the area will be transformed into a hub of peace and prosperity. *Rt. Hon. Ekpeson,* who has been at the forefront of the efforts to resolve the dispute, welcomed the development, saying it was a testament to the power of collaboration and dialogue. He expressed gratitude to the *NBC,* the Deputy Governor of Edo State, *Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa,* and other stakeholders for their tireless efforts in resolving the dispute.The Deputy Governor, *Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa* who led the Edo State delegation as the chairman of Edo state boundary commission to the Joint Meeting of Officials in Abuja, reiterated the state’s commitment to a technically sound and legally grounded resolution process, citing the 2006 mutually agreed boundary alignment as a key milestone. He stressed that the immediate task was to overcome the factors that disrupted monumentation efforts initiated in 2007, particularly resistance encountered in some host communities.A comprehensive roadmap has been outlined, including sensitization and enlightenment campaigns in affected border communities, joint identification of pillar sites, and adequate security arrangements to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations. The *NBC* has acknowledged Edo State’s sustained cooperation with federal authorities throughout the process, noting that the foundational boundary framework is already established and that what remains is the completion of physical monumentation.This development is seen as a significant step towards resolving one of the lingering interstate boundary issues, and stakeholders are expressing optimism that the long-delayed demarcation may soon reach completion. The people of *Etsako East* and *Okene* Local Government Areas are eagerly awaiting the benefits of this development, which is expected to bring peace, security, and prosperity to the region.Signed:*Comr. Amb. Abass Egbezemogie Yunusah*Chief Press SecretaryEtsako East Local Government Council, Agenebode_Thursday, 26th February, 2026_