The new paramount ruler of Opobo Kingdom, Rivers, Charles Jaja, says he will seek partnerships to make the kingdom a hub for agriculture and agribusiness in the Niger Delta.
Jaja made this known during his coronation ceremony on Saturday in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers.
He expressed optimism that accelerating agriculture development would create thousands of jobs and fast-track the development of the kingdom.
According to him, Opobo was once known for its vibrant agro economy in the late 1800s, which transformed the old Eastern Niger Delta.
He said that his forefather, King Jaja, built the kingdom’s economic influence through ingenuity and intelligence, particularly by dominating the waterways in his early days.
Jaja pledged that his administration would strengthen economic ties across regions and explore partnerships capable of boosting agriculture and agribusiness.
The traditional ruler also called for improved infrastructure in oil-bearing communities and optimal implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“We remain hopeful that the optimal implementation of the PIA will benefit oil-bearing communities,” he said.
Jaja said that the needs Opobo people included durable roads, jetties, shoreline protection, quality healthcare, tertiary educational institutions and functional skills development centres.
He commended the government for recognising the traditional institutions and pledged to promote unity, truth and Justice throughout the kingdom.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated Jaja on his ascension to the throne, describing the coronation as a symbol of cultural preservation.
Jonathan said that the Opobo throne represented the legacy of a proud people whose contributions to the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria remained significant.
He expressed confidence that Jaja’s reign would bring peace, unity and development to Opobo kingdom.
“I am hopeful that you would enjoy the partnership that you deserve from the government and relevant authorities.
“I am also confident that you will use the dignity of your office to preserve the values and traditions handed down by your forebears,” Jonathan said.
Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, congratulated Jaja, saying that his coronation will further strengthen peace, unity and development in the kingdom.
Represented the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Fubara described the coronation as a celebration of historical identity, culture and enduring heritage.
He said that the rich tradition of the Opobo people remained an important part of the cultural identity of Rivers and Nigeria.
“As a government, we recognise the important role of the traditional institution in preserving our cultural values and promoting unity within our communities.
“We encourage our traditional rulers to continue to serve as custodians of our heritage, and partners in the development of our state,” he said.
Fubara prayed that the traditional ruler’s reign would be marked by unity, progress and purposeful leadership.
Prominent traditional rulers attended the coronation, including the Igwe of Onitsha, and the Olu of Warri.
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