The Senate President, Senator Godswill Ufot Akpabio, has called on the traditional rulers from South South region of Nigeria to rise in unity and commit themselves to supporting the lofty plans of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and work with him to ensure that hope is renewed for the people of the region.
Senator Akpabio made the call in his special remarks at the opening ceremony of the 13th Extraordinary General Assembly of the South South Monarchs Forum holding in the capital city of Asaba, Delta State, saying that it was imperative for the monarchs to join forces with government to address myriad of challenges facing the region.
Represented at the opening ceremony by the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Senator Akpabio, paid glowing tribute to the Royal Fathers, describing them as “the carriers of our customs, the guardians of our heritage, and the embodiment of the aspirations of our people.”
“In this historic moment, of our gathering here to discuss the theme of “Strengthening Stakeholder Collaboration for Development of the South-South Region: The Role of the Traditional Institution”, let us acknowledge the challenges that our great nation, Nigeria, faces.”
” We cannot turn a blind eye to the security challenges that threaten the peace and socio-economic well-being of our people. The unfortunate Okuama Community crises and the loss of 17 brave soldiers serve as stark reminders of the pressing need for robust interfaces on security matters, especially as they impact the security and socio-economic well-being of our people.”
” We cannot afford to sit idly by while our communities are torn apart by violence, insecurity, and unrest. We must come together as a united front to address these challenges head-on and work towards finding lasting solutions. We must commit ourselves to supporting the lofty plans of the present administration of President Bola Tinubu and work with him to ensure that hope is renewed for our people.”
He charged the South South Monarchs to in the face of adversity, find hope and strength in the unity of the people of the region, noting that as traditional leaders, called to be beacons of light and bastions of hope guiding our communities toward a brighter future, “I urge you, our fathers to rise above our differences, avoid political affiliations and personal interests, and focus on the common purpose that binds you together – the well-being of our people.”
According to him, ” The role of the traditional institution is of paramount importance. You are the lighthouses in your communities. Your influence and guidance are crucial in fostering peace, security, and development. You must lead by example and to inspire unity among our people. You must recognize that your influence extends far beyond the borders of your kingdoms. You hold the power to shape the destiny of our region, to foster unity, and to drive positive change.”
” To address the security challenges that loom over our nation, we must engage in robust interfaces, such as you intend to have in this Assembly, on security matters. Collaboration is key – working hand in hand with government agencies, security forces, and community leaders Through this partnership, we can develop comprehensive strategies that ensure the safety and prosperity of our people.”
” Therefore, I call upon every one of us to rise to the occasion and take up the mantle of leadership with courage and determination. In the face of adversity, we must stand strong and resolute. We must show the world that we are a force to be reckoned with, a people united in purpose and vision. Let us not be defined by our challenges but by our ability to overcome them.”
Senator Akpabio acknowledged that the South-South Monarchs Forum, as a nonprofit body, has been at the forefront of fostering unity and cooperation, as he stressed on the need for them to build upon the foundation, leveraging their collective strength to make a lasting impact.
The Senate President said, “l implore every one of you, esteemed monarchs, to embrace your roles as custodians of peace and progress. I implore you to lead by example, nurturing an environment of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect. I implore you to let your actions today shape the future of our region and inspire generations to come.”
” In conclusion, let us use this 13th Extraordinary General Assembly as a catalyst for change, and as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the development and well-being of our people.”
” Together, we can forge a South-South region that shines as a beacon of hope and progress, a testament to our shared values and determination. Let us go beyond providing the oil that runs our country’s economy to lighting the candle of peace and unity to show our country the way to greatness.”
