Traditional rulers from Southern Nigeria have urgently called on the Federal Government to tackle the escalating food insecurity and economic hardship plaguing the country.
Their appeal follows a series of tragic incidents, including stampedes that occurred during food palliative distributions in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo States, which underscored the desperation caused by the worsening economic challenges in the nation.
In a statement signed by His Eminence Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the monarch of the Aro Kingdom and the Publicity Secretary of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, the rulers expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the recent stampedes.
They also extended their heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“It is with profound sadness that we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in the recent stampedes in Anambra, Abuja, and Oyo States. These heartbreaking incidents, which occurred during events organized with goodwill intentions, are painful reminders of the fragility of life and the critical need for collective vigilance to prevent such tragedies in the future,” the statement read.
The traditional rulers lamented the loss of lives in events that were meant to provide relief and support to the citizens.
They stressed the need for systemic changes in order to address the root causes of such dire desperation.
“Our hearts go out to the innocent victims, whose lives were cut short in moments that should have been filled with hope and community spirit. These tragedies reflect a far deeper societal issue, and we stand in solidarity with their families, friends, and all those who have been affected by these unfortunate occurrences,” the statement continued.
The monarchs emphasized that the stampedes were a glaring indication of the severe economic and social pressures facing the nation, further calling on the government to take more robust and decisive actions to alleviate the economic hardships faced by citizens.
“These tragic incidents underscore the urgent need for sustained and concerted efforts to address the economic challenges confronting our nation. The desperation and overcrowding witnessed during these food palliative events serve as clear evidence of the systemic issues that have long been ignored. These problems must be addressed immediately to prevent further suffering,” the rulers stated.
They urged the Nigerian government to continue its efforts to improve the economic situation, create more opportunities for citizens, and alleviate the pressures that drive people to take dangerous risks in search of basic necessities.
The traditional rulers also called for improved planning and heightened security measures during public events to avoid future calamities. They stressed that ensuring the safety of citizens should be paramount in the execution of such programs.
“We call on event organizers across the country to prioritize safety by ensuring that local and national security agencies are involved in the planning and execution of their programs.
“Adequate crowd control measures, thorough risk assessments, and well-established emergency response plans must be an integral part of every public gathering. This will help to safeguard the lives and well-being of all participants,” the statement emphasized.
In a separate message, the monarchs expressed cautious optimism for the future of Nigeria as the nation entered 2025, despite the difficulties experienced in 2024.
They urged Nigerians to reflect on the hardships of the past year and unite in the effort to create a more prosperous and resilient nation.
“As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we extend our cautious but sincere hope for a brighter and more prosperous 2025 for Nigeria. The challenges of the past year have been formidable, but they have also highlighted the resilience, unity, and unbreakable spirit of our people. We are hopeful that together, we can overcome these challenges and build a nation that is economically stable and secure,” they declared.
The traditional rulers encouraged the people of Nigeria to carry forward the lessons learned from the past year and to work collectively toward creating a safer, more secure, and economically stable country.
They emphasized the importance of unity and mutual cooperation in addressing the systemic issues that have hindered progress in the past.
“Let us move forward with the lessons of 2024 in our hearts, so that we may create a safer, more secure, and economically stable nation. May 2025 bring new opportunities for growth, healing, and progress as we work together to tackle the systemic issues that have held us back and strive to uplift every Nigerian,” the statement concluded.
The monarchs also called for a renewed commitment to national development, stressing the importance of unity among Nigerians in order to prevent further tragedies and create a better future for all.
“As we welcome this New Year, let us recommit ourselves to fostering unity, prioritizing safety, and building a future where tragedies like those we have recently mourned will no longer be part of our reality. With determination and collaboration, we can turn our aspirations into tangible achievements for a brighter future,” they said.