Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has inaugurated the 8th Council of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, urging the royal fathers to take charge of their communities’ security in collaboration with the government at all levels.
The council’s chairman, Igwe Samuel Asadu, traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Autonomous Community in Nsukka local government area, pledged to support the administration’s vision, mobilize against insecurity, and ensure the government’s success.
During the inauguration at the House of Chiefs Chamber of the Enugu State House of Assembly Complex, Governor Mbah emphasized that the role of traditional institutions extends beyond preserving culture and tradition to promoting peace, unity, and serving as the government’s representatives in their communities.
He said, “Beyond being the custodians of our tradition and culture, you are also the government’s eyes and ears in your communities. We expect to work with you in partnership to address security challenges.”
The governor urged the royal fathers to closely collaborate with the government and their subjects, acting as agents of positive change and helping their communities understand and appreciate the government’s policies on education, infrastructure, healthcare, security, and general wellbeing.
Highlighting the administration’s impactful projects, Governor Mbah mentioned the deliberate steps being taken to ensure quality education for all children of learning age through the establishment of 260 smart green schools across the electoral wards. He added that the focus on education, youth skills acquisition, and human capacity building are vital in combating insecurity.
He also noted that the administration’s robust programs would be difficult to accomplish if traditional rulers lived outside their communities, as their presence is crucial for community development.
State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Okey Ogbodo, congratulated the new council and explained that the selection process was based on fidelity, integrity, and commitment to the government’s development programs, in accordance with section 3(1) of the state traditional rulers’ law.
Igwe Asadu, reacting to the inauguration, pledged to ensure the administration’s success and praised Governor Mbah as an agent of positive change. He highlighted that the first state-financed project in their community’s history was initiated by the Mbah administration.