Monarchs In Southern Nigeria Urge Swift Economic Recovery For A Prosperous 2025

Traditional rulers in Southern Nigeria have called on both the government and citizens to leverage the lessons learned from the challenges of 2024 in order to accelerate the country’s economic recovery. The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) expressed cautious optimism about Nigeria’s prospects for a brighter and more prosperous 2025.

In a statement titled “Happy New Year Nigeria,” signed by the Publicity Secretary, His Eminence Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, the royal fathers extended their blessings for the nation’s future. They recognized that although 2024 brought profound challenges, it also showcased the resilience, unity, and strength of the Nigerian people. They urged citizens to carry forward the lessons learned and the hope for a more secure and economically stable country.

The traditional rulers prayed for a year filled with renewed opportunities for growth, healing, and progress. They emphasized the importance of working collectively to address the nation’s systemic challenges and uplift every Nigerian.

In a separate statement, the SNTRC expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampedes in Anambra, Oyo, and Abuja, where over 70 lives were lost during palliative distribution events meant to alleviate economic hardships. The traditional rulers acknowledged that these events, despite their well-meaning intentions, highlighted the dire need for a more robust economy to prevent such tragedies in the future.

“These painful incidents serve as reminders of the fragility of life and the need for collective vigilance to avoid further tragedies,” said SNTRC. They offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, standing in solidarity with those affected.

Furthermore, the SNTRC emphasized that these tragic events underline the urgent need for continuous efforts to address Nigeria’s economic issues. The desperation and overcrowding at the palliative distribution points are symptoms of deeper systemic challenges requiring immediate attention. The royal fathers urged the government to persist in improving the economic situation and creating more opportunities for citizens.

Led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the SNTRC also called on event organizers to prioritize safety by involving security agencies in planning and execution. They recommended that crowd control measures, risk assessments, and emergency plans be integral to all public events to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

“As we mourn the loss of so many, let us also reaffirm our commitment to building a safer, more secure, and prosperous Nigeria,” said SNTRC. The rulers reiterated that preventing such incidents in the future would honor the memory of those who tragically lost their lives.