President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in Imo State.
The inauguration took place in Owerri, the state capital.
The inauguration saw the Oni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, emerge as the Chairman of the council, while the co-chairmen were Obi of Obinugwu, Cletus Illomuanya and King Jaja of Opopo, Dandeson Jaja with Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1, Dein of Agbor emerging as the secretary.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who represented the President, said, “President Bola Tinubu is very supportive of what is going on here today. The President has a tremendous respect for this wonderful institution. You are the custodians of our culture.
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“You are refined. Every one of us respects you. Nobody can do it without the support of the traditional rulers. Nigeria is a great country, rich in diversity culturally and intellectually. With traditional rulers like you, Nigeria will move forward.”
Earlier in his remark, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who was the host, urged members of the council to meet with their Northern counterparts to unite Nigeria.
He said, “It is on that score that I invite you to support the current Federal Government led by our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is not a call for blind support. It is because I know, like most of you do, that he is working very hard to put Nigeria on the journey of irreversible economic growth and development.
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“For example, the recent move by his government to strengthen the local governments is intended to bring governance closer to the people. As a visionary leader, I foresee a greater involvement of traditional leaders in governance in the near future.
“As we know, his economic reforms have brought about temporary hardships in the country. But it is like the pangs of labour which disappear as soon as the child is born. Without these reforms, Nigeria would have since gone under. But with these reforms, our economic recovery is in sight.
“Already, some foreign loans are being repaid while our external reserve is increasing. President Tinubu has indeed taken deliberate actions that would bring back the economic boom. We just need to be patient.
“Again, as you would have observed, the battle has been taken to the doorsteps of the bandits and criminals. The security situation is not as severe as it was a year ago. We have not gotten to where we ought to be, but there are obvious improvements towards our target. I am assured that with your support and cooperation, our president will surely take us to that destination.”
Also speaking at the event, The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said, “This event marks the beginning of a unification of a new body to uphold our heritage. We are all one. It is going to strengthen the bond. It is a historic event. The inauguration of this body will enable them to perform more advisory roles in the development of this country. We appreciate Governor Hope Uzodimma for initiating and coordinating this event for the good of our zone.”
In his remarks, the Oni of Ife, Ogunwusi, said, “We appreciate the governor for his focus, towards looking to unite the Southern protectorate of the country. It started since you were a Senator to see how the Southern region can unite and today, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision has been achieved.”
