Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left) beating a traditional drum to welcome the Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Angella Colley who paid him a courtesy call in his office in Ibadan on Monday.
…From Dele Ogunyemi, Ibadan…
Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has said that his administration would establish a symbiotic relationship with The Gambia in the areas of tourism and agriculture.
He stated this in Ibadan on Monday while receiving The Gambia High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Angela Colley, who paid him a courtesy call in his office.
Governor Ajimobi observed that Nigeria and The Gambia had come a long way in mutual relationship culturally, politically and business-wise.
“We share so many commonalities politically, in terms of business and even in virtually all spheres of lives.
“We could learn from The Gambia in term of tourism; we have decided that we are going to have a symbiotic relationship with The Gambia in the areas of tourism and agriculture,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, Mrs. Colley had commended the governor for extending hospitality to The Gambians, most of whom she said had been residing in the state for over 30 years and for ensuring peaceful co-existence between them and the people of the state.
She assured that her country would continue to partner with Oyo State to enhance its development, especially in the area of tourism, agriculture and businesses, calling on the governor to “continue to see members of The Gambian community in the state as his children under his fatherly care.
“The Gambian people have been living in Oyo State for over 30 years. The Gambia and Nigeria have been together on the long road of development.
“For The Gambians to be living in Oyo State for that number of years shows that they are comfortable and accommodated, and I don’t even know if some of them will like to go back to The Gambia because Oyo State is peaceful and the people are very hospitable,’’ Mrs. Colley.