Great Benin King, Oba Ewuare II at the weekend rose from Ugie Festival, wishing all Edos and Nigerians in general, both at home and in the Diaspora a happy and prosperous New Year, with a warning against violence, religious and political hostilities in the country.
The Omo N’Oba enjoined them to approach the New Year with renewed hope, zeal and determination, assuring that 2019 will usher in numerous blessings for all.
In the message made available to Alltimepost.com today by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Desmond Agbama, Oba Ewuare noted that the annual Ugie Festival celebrated by the Oba of Benin was used to offer prayers for the well-being and progress of the people and for peace, unity and development of Nigeria.
The Benin Monarch urged Nigerians to eschew corruption and contribute positively towards the rebirth of a new Nigeria in the years ahead.
He did not only warn against all forms of violence, religious and political hostilities, but also electoral irregularities, “so that Nigeria and Nigerians could experience free, fair and credible 2019 general elections.”
Oba Ewuare II particularly cautioned politicians against using youths as political thugs to disrupt the electoral process, a situation he said creates security challenges before, during and after the elections.
“The Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo calls on the nation’s political leaders to invest massively in agriculture in order to create jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerians and ensure food availability.
“The Oba wishes everyone a happy and hitch free celebration.”
