From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Ondo Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has promised to deepen existing relationship with South Africa to create room for greater development between the country and the state.
Akeredolu, who spoke when he received the Consular General of South Africa, Mr. Darkey Africa and his team in his office, identified a lot of areas in which Nigeria and Ondo State, in particular, could work together to archive maximum potential.
According to the governor, such areas include agriculture, industrialisation, power and maritime.
On agriculture, the governor said Nigeria could learn various things in cattle ranching to address the incessant grazing issue by herdsmen, which he said had resulted in loss of lives and property in Nigeria.
Akeredolu also stated that Ondo with the longest and deepest coast line in Nigeria was willing to partner South Africa to harness potential of the southern part of the state.
The governor, however pointed out that the cordial relationship would not be achieved if xenophobic activities on Nigerians in South Africa continues unabated.
On his part, Africa said relevant steps would be taken to deepen the existing relationship between the two countries.