Great Benin King, Oba Ewuare II, during the week, told Nigeria’s Army Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Burutai that the Palace was ever ready to support the Nigeria Army in any way possible, expressing concern over the insecurity in the country.
He commended the Nigeria Army for its role in maintaining peace and security in the country.
The Benin Monarch, who made the commendation in his Palace when he received the Chief of Army Staff, also appreciated officers and men of the Nigeria Army for their role in the protection of the democratic process and the citizens.
He urged the officers to feel free to interphase with the Palace on any issue bothering them.
His Royal Majesty commiserated with the Nigeria Army on the loss of soldiers in the course of fighting Boko Haram insurgents and during other operations, praying that God should grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
He informed the Army Chief of Staff that the posting of an illustrious Benin man, Brig. Gen. Omoregie as the General Officer Commanding the 4-Mechanized Brigade of Nigeria Army, Benin City was first of its kind and it is quite remarkable and appreciated by all.
The Omo N’Oba assured the Nigeria Army that the Palace would continue to revive the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom, and build on the legacies left behind by His fore-fathers, and prayed that God and the ancestors should grant Him wisdom, and good health to continue to discharge His duties to the people.
Earlier, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Burutai informed His Royal Majesty that he was in Edo State to deliver inaugural lecture on contemporary security affairs at Igbinedion University, Okada, and considered it necessary to pay homage to the Oba of Benin and solicit Royal blessings and support.
He described Omo N’Oba as a first class Oba in the country whose role in maintaining peace and security in a modern society cannot be underrated, pointing out that the Benin Obas, past and present have distinguished themselves in military and other human endeavors. The Chief of Army Staff used the opportunity to seek closer ties in order to successfully fight insecurity in the country.
Lt. Gen. Burutai prayed for good health and long life for the Omo N’Oba, and wished His Majesty long and successful reign on the throne.
High point of the visit was the presentation of souvenir to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II by the Chief of Army Staff.
