KEHINDE FAJOBI
Traditional rulers from Southern Nigeria have urged the Federal Government to urgently tackle food insecurity and economic challenges, while expressing optimism about a brighter future for the country in 2025.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Oji, the monarchs mourned the recent stampedes during food palliative distributions in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states, which led to loss of lives.
“It is with profound sadness that we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in the recent stampede events in Anambra, Abuja, and Oyo States,” the statement read.
“These heartbreaking incidents, which occurred during events organized with goodwill intentions, are painful reminders of the fragility of life and the need for collective vigilance to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
The monarchs emphasised the need for systemic solutions to economic hardship, which they said had driven citizens to desperation.
“We urge the Nigerian government to continue working tirelessly to improve the economic situation, create more opportunities, and alleviate the pressures that drive citizens to such perilous circumstances,” the council stated.
They also called for better safety measures at public events.
“Event organizers must involve security agencies, prioritize crowd control, and implement emergency response plans to ensure the safety of all participants.”
In a separate message, the monarchs expressed cautious optimism about Nigeria’s prospects in 2025, urging citizens to apply lessons learned from the challenges of 2024.
“As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we extend our heartfelt optimism for a brighter and more prosperous 2025 for Nigeria,” the statement said.
“Let us carry forward the lessons learned and the hope that together, we can create a safer, more secure, and economically stable nation.”
The monarchs also stressed unity as key to the nation’s progress.
“Let us recommit ourselves to fostering unity, prioritizing safety, and building a future where tragedies like those we have recently mourned become a thing of the past. With determination and collaboration, we can transform our aspirations into tangible realities.”