The Onu of Igala in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief James Alabi Okai, has called on Nigerians, particularly the Igala community, to prioritize peace, unity, and development as the country begins a new year.
In a New Year message, Chief Okai expressed gratitude to God for preserving lives and expressed optimism for the future. “First of all, we thank God who has allowed us to see this year.
“We are hopeful that the same God who brought us here will carry us through by His mercy and love,” he said, emphasizing the need for faith and resilience.
Chief Okai appealed to the Igala community and all Nigerians to live in peace and harmony.
“In any community, office, church, or mosque, we should have the fear of God and live peaceably with everyone,” he urged.
Reflecting on the economic challenges of the past year, including the rising cost of living caused by increased petroleum prices, Chief Okai called on the government to intensify efforts to alleviate citizens’ hardships.
“We commend the government’s ongoing efforts but urge them to do more to ease the burden on Nigerians,” he added.
The traditional leader stressed the importance of youth empowerment through job creation and skill acquisition.
“If people, especially the youth, are engaged in meaningful jobs, they will not resort to crime,” he stated, urging the government to prioritize employment opportunities.
He also called on parents to monitor their children’s activities to prevent drug abuse and other vices.
“Parents must ensure their children are in good company. Bad influences can lead to bad habits, which we cannot afford in our society,” he cautioned.
Chief Okai underlined the role of traditional leaders in maintaining peace and promoting development.
He called for stronger collaboration with government authorities and security agencies to tackle societal challenges.
“Traditional rulers must identify and address bad characters in their domains before issues escalate,” he said, urging government support for their efforts.
Additionally, he advocated for the preservation of cultural heritage while embracing modernization.
“Our communities must work with other tribes and stakeholders to ensure peace and progress for Nigeria as a whole,” he noted.
Chief Okai urged leaders at all levels to prioritize the welfare of their communities and foster harmonious coexistence.
“Government policies must include inputs from traditional rulers, who are in constant touch with the grassroots. This collaboration will lead to better governance and community development,” he emphasized.
Chief Okai , however called on all Nigerians to work towards a peaceful and prosperous 2024, expressing hope for a better future driven by collective responsibility and unity.
