By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Ovie of Uvwie, His Royal Majesty (Dr) Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, has stressed the urgent need for a national rebirth and a change in policies to address the concerning issue of insecurity across Nigeria.

Speaking at the 12th National Development Mega Summit of Traditional Rulers, held at the Yar’dua Center in Abuja on Thursday, he emphasized that three essential conditions must be met to achieve peace.

“Firstly, there must be a national resolve to limit the use of force in the solution of human and social problems.

“Secondly, viable national institutions that promote mass enlightenment and equitable wealth distribution must be developed.

“Thirdly, our justice system needs to be reset to protect human rights and satisfy individual aspirations for justice and freedom,” said the Ovie of Uvwie.

We must listen to voices of elders – Emir of Akko

The summit, chaired by His Royal Majesty (DR) Alhaji Mohammed Atiku, Emir of Akko, Gombe State, focused on fostering sustainable peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.

“Who will change the narrative? If really we desire a peaceful and egalitarian society, then the voice of our elders, which is the voice of wisdom, must be heard louder than ever in our country,” said the Northern Royal Father.

In addition, the summit also addressed the grim state of malnutrition in Nigeria, which according to UNICEF, accounts for over 50% of mortality among children.

Dr Ransom Emenari presented the concept of “Royal Food Banks,” a nationwide network of food banks to combat the food crisis in Nigeria.

This initiative, he suggested, would be supervised and monitored from the palaces of traditional rulers, leveraging their influence and trust within their communities.
Undeniably, food insecurity jeopardizes sustainable national development as it creates despair and anxiety, engenders acrimony and unwillingness among the people.

“Hunger should be perceived as a national security issue. What Nigeria desperately needs now is the development of a formidable social mechanism for proper redistribution of income and wealth among our people, to give every Nigerian a sense of belonging,” Dr Emenari said.

The summit ended on a high note as traditional leaders and other dignitaries across Nigeria rallied together to address pressing issues hindering the nation’s progress.

They expressed optimism that the deliberations and resolutions will guide the way forward for sustainable peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria, despite the current socio-economic challenges.