By Sidi A. Umar
Sokoto
Benin monarch and Chairman, Edo state Council of Traditional Rulers, Omo N’Oba Nedo Okpolokpolo Ewuare II, has called on Nigerians, especially the traditional rulers in the country to give firm support to the federal government in exploiting the rich culture of the country to keep Nigeria one indivisible entity.
The monarch, who made the call in Sokoto when he paid a courtesy call on the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III in his palace, described the Sultan as a bridge builder for peace, unity and harmony.
He described Nigeria as a great country with unlimited potentials
for growth and development and called on all to join hands to uphold its integrity.
The Oba said the traditional institution and its rulers were therepository and custodians of revered cultural and traditional values and norms which should be used to advance the corporate entity of the nation.
“Nigeria’s unity is paramount and should be used to promote cultural exchange programmes to consolidate our cultural interactions,” he said.
Oba Ewuare noted that the country had for some time being faced with
huge security challenges, occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency and similar activities in the Niger Delta region, saying the crises were avoidable if only Nigerians could apply the due senses of patriotism.
“It behoves on us as traditional rulers to constantly imbibe in our people the need to respect our cultural values which teach tolerance and respect for one another,” he said.
He told the Sultan not to relent in his effort at ensuring the continuedunity of the country, adding: “I urge you not to relent, as history will be kind to you when the story of a united, strong and prosperous Nigeria is told to generations yet unborn.”
