Ooni preaches national unity in Abia

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Aludeyeye Ogunwusi, has said that unity is necessary for socioeconomic development because of its capability to impact positively on Nigeria and solidify the nation’s bond.

Ogunwusi said this on Friday when he paid Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia a visit in Government House, Umuahia.

He said that peace and oneness remained the greatest achievement of any society, adding that the strength on Nigeria’s unity was in its diversity.

Ogunwusi said that he was in Abia to support the state government because of its passion for things that were positive.

“The earlier we realise that we are all spiritually linked the better for us. We must chart a positive course for our teeming youths and make this country a better place.

“We are praying for you and we don’t want any war or disintegration of the nation. We know that the youths of Abia will stand together to chart a proper course to make things better,”he said.

Ogunwusi called on relevant agencies to evolve reorientation programmes that would change the thought process of youths because they were the future and energy of Nigeria.

In his response, Ikpeazu said that Nigeria had the potential to be one of the biggest countries because of the human and natural resources that abound in the nation.

The governor said that the state government was committed to empowering Abia youths to enable them become self-reliant.

“The state government has created an office dedicated to providing empowerment for youths with a a minimum loan of N250,000 to start small business.

“This is our way of practically supporting our youths that are interested in eeking out a living. I believe that is how we can curb youth restiveness,” he said.

Ikpeazu thanked the traditional ruler for offering prayers for the state, adding that his leadership style was commendable.