Newscenter Media News Traditional rulers from Southern Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to urgently address the worsening food insecurity and economic hardship in the country. Their appeal follows recent tragic stampedes during food palliative distributions in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo States, which highlighted the desperation caused by economic challenges.
The Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary and monarch of the Aro Kingdom, His Eminence Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, expressed grief over the loss of lives in the stampedes and extended condolences to the affected families.
“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 stampede events 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 need for collective vigilance to prevent such tragedies in the future,” the statement read.
The monarchs lamented the loss of lives in events meant to bring relief and emphasized the need for systemic changes to address the root causes of such 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. We stand in solidarity with their families, friends, and all those affected by these tragic occurrences.
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“These events also highlight the urgent need for sustained efforts to address the economic challenges facing our nation. The desperation and overcrowding seen at these gatherings are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues that require immediate attention.
“We urge the Nigerian government to continue working tirelessly to improve the economic situation, create more opportunities, and alleviate the pressures that drive citizens to such perilous circumstances.”
The statement also called for better planning and security measures during public events to prevent future tragedies.
“Additionally, we call on event organizers across the nation to prioritize safety by involving local and national security agencies in the planning and execution of their programs. Adequate crowd control measures, risk assessments, and emergency response plans must be integral to any public event to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
“May we honor the memories of those who lost their lives by working together to prevent such incidents in the future.”
In a separate statement, the monarchs expressed hope for a brighter future for Nigeria in 2025 despite the challenges of the past year. They urged Nigerians to learn from the hardships of 2024 and unite to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
“As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we extend our cautious but heartfelt optimism for a brighter and more prosperous 2025 for Nigeria. While the challenges of the past year have been profound, they have also underscored the resilience, unity, and indomitable spirit of our people,” they noted.
The monarchs encouraged citizens to apply the lessons learned in 2024 to create a safer, more secure, and economically stable country.
“Let us carry forward the lessons learned and the hope that together, we can create a safer, more secure, and economically stable nation.
“May 2025 bring renewed opportunities for growth, healing, and progress, as we work collectively to address the systemic issues that have held us back and strive to uplift every Nigerian.”
They concluded by calling for unity among Nigerians and a renewed commitment to national development.
“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 become a thing of the past. With determination and collaboration, we can transform our aspirations into tangible realities.”
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