The Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, has called on the federal government to consider establishing a Nigeria Customs Service training school in the border community of Imeko. This appeal was made during a press conference organized as part of the activities marking the 2026 Imeko Festival. The community shares a boundary with the Republic of Benin and holds historical significance. Oba Olanite noted that the establishment of the NSC training school would bring about even development to the area.
Imeko has played an important role in Nigeria's border administration dating back to the colonial era. Oba Olanite argued that its historical and geographical position made it suitable for a specialised training institution. He added that the community would provide the government with land for either the NSC or Nigeria Immigration Service training school. The traditional ruler emphasized that everything about the frontier in Nigeria started in Imeko, which is why they are pursuing a school and institution like the National Institute for Border Studies.
On educational development, Oba Olanite commended the Ogun State Government for yielding to requests to address the shortage of teachers in schools in the town. He also appreciated the provision of educational facilities by the state government. The monarch noted that the intervention had demonstrated the importance of sustained government attention to the educational needs of border communities. However, he stressed that more needed to be done to close the development gap in the area.
Oba Olanite appealed to both the Federal and Ogun State governments to intensify investment in education, healthcare, roads, and other critical infrastructure in Imeko. He linked the educational challenges in the community to the broader development needs of border settlements. The monarch argued that neglecting such areas could have wider implications for national development and security.
Professor Anthony Asiwaju, a speaker at the event, appealed to governments at all levels to give proper attention to communities located along Nigeria's international borders. He emphasized the need for attention in the areas of education, security, economic development, and infrastructure. Professor Asiwaju also called on the Border Communities Development Agency to increase its interventions in Imeko.
The former House of Representative for Imeko and Yewa North Federal Constituency, Dr. Dele Ogunsiji, commended Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola for sponsoring a bill seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Frontier and Border Studies in Imeko. He appealed to the National Assembly and the Federal Government to support the initiative. Dr. Ogunsiji expressed hope that the proposed institution would further strengthen education and capacity development in the border region.
The Chairman, Central Planning Committee 'Agbinrekoti Festival', Otunba Anthony Adewale Ajibode, highlighted the importance of the festival in promoting unity, community development, and renewed commitment to the advancement of Imeko. He urged the Federal and Ogun State governments to sustain interventions in education while expanding investments in infrastructure, healthcare, security, and economic opportunities for residents.
Key points
- The Ogun monarch, Oba Benjamin Olanite, has called on the federal government to establish a Nigeria Customs Service training school in Imeko, a border community.
- Imeko has played an important role in Nigeria's border administration dating back to the colonial era.
- The community would provide the government with land for either the NSC or Nigeria Immigration Service training school.
