The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other leaders have maintained that the unity of Nigeria must remain a priority.
Speaking at the 80th birthday lecture and book launch of His Royal Majesty, King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, in Abuja, the leaders emphasised the need to leave legacies for generations ahead.
Abubakar said that the unity of the country and that of traditional institutions must remain sacrosanct.
Abubakar, while lauding the legacies of Daukoru, said it is important to write one’s story while alive.
Ogunwusi stated that the unity of the country is critical, adding that traditional rulers must ensure that their followers take steps that unite the country and its development.
“Politicians come and go, but traditional rulers remain in our kingdoms. So, it is our duty to encourage and maintain unity among our people,” he said.
Daukoru, while calling for the development of the Niger Delta, said he has a plan that would see the development of a gas turbine, integrated farming and fish culture.
Daukoru, a former Minister of State for Energy, was also Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
“Don’t be surprised if I come around again soon, lobbying some of you to assist in the launching of the next phase of development of my kingdom, which will encompass a gas-turbine, integrated farming and fish culture; land reclamation and large-scale reticulated water system; among others – just pushing my goodwill some more.
“I thank my former mentor and present exemplar, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, for the glowing birthday wishes, full of his trademark, insights and wisdom. My people of Nembe will long remember and savour your physical presence here to identify with them.
“At 80, he looks like a 60-year-old man. He is an upright and honest person who has gone round the world. We have come a long way. This gathering shows that traditional rulers in Nigeria are united. We are not politicians with differences.
“I have a deep feeling of gratitude to you for sparing out time to be here to celebrate me. This is a full hall that represents Nigerians and I hope this type of solidarity is replicated in other areas of our lives.
“There are professionals of all kinds represented here but beyond that are people united by purpose,” Daukoru said.
The Executive Chairman, Economic Growth and Development Centre, Prof. Magnus Kpakol, said there must be a concerted effort to develop the Niger Delta region, adding that human capital is the key to economic development.
Speaking on ‘Imperative of Energy Security for Accelerated Rural Development: Special Case of the Niger Delta’, he said that Nigeria would only be successful if areas where major resources of the country come for are developed.
