President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic has identified his country as the 37th state in Nigeria, disclosing that 55 per cent of the population in Benin comes from Nigeria.

He stated this on Thursday when he visited the Defence House to felicitate with the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on his victory at the last presidential election. He also pledged the cooperation of his country to the incoming administration.

President Yayi, who described Buhari as his senior, noted that Nigerians elected him “as their president in order to lead their destiny for reasons well-known to people; namely his integrity, his experience as a former Head of State of the great Nigeria, his patriotism, his ability to take up challenges that Nigeria and our sub-region are facing today, namely Boko Haram issue, peace issue, the enforcement of ECOWAS issue”.

While describing the Nigerian economy as the envy of the West Africa sub region economy, he said, “Mr. President, let me tell you that you are a favoured man. You can deal with all the issues. Let the almighty Allah lead your steps so that your mandate will be successful not only for the great Nigeria but for our sub-region, our continent and our world.

“Our people of Benin greets the President-elect. Benin and Nigeria are very close in the area of culture, tradition and the two countries are united as one. We will always be by the president-elect’s side, the side of the good Nigeria, and we will support the good Nigeria,” he assured Buhari, urging him to strengthen the level of cooperation between Nigeria and Benin immediately after the President-elect’s inauguration.

In his response, the incoming President appreciated his guest for identification with Nigeria as very critical, noting that “Benin is our neighbor and we have cultural affiliations which he identified in his statement. The cooperation will make it easier for Nigeria especially on the security aspect”.

Buhari, who pointed out that Nigeria’s major problem was the security challenges in the North east caused by the Boko Haram insurgents, expressed optimism that with President Yayi’s “cooperation and that of the sub-region, ”we will stamp out insurgency in the North east.”

He went on to thank the visiting President and wished him a safe journey back to his country.