The Paramount Ruler of Ebira Land in Kogi Central, Ohinoyi Alhaji (Dr) Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, has called for attitudinal change amongst his subjects as a way of attracting outsiders and meaningful investors to boost the socioeconomic status of the land.
Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, who is also the Coordinator of the North Central Traditional Council and Vice Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, reminded his people that through the ages, they were known only for good character and attitude, stressing the need for improvement.
The Royal father spoke during an important meeting held in his palace in Okene, with prominent Ebira sons and daughters from all parts of the country.
Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, Chairman Ebira Area Traditional Council and Patron Council of Ulamau, insisted that the only way to attract good things to the kingdom is through conscious efforts to rebrand the culture, lifestyle, and promotion of the local dialect among the young ones to avoid its extinction.
“As long as God has placed me here on the throne as the royal father of all Ebira, I will not keep quiet. I must stand up to do the needful to move the entire kingdom forward because God has named us Ebira, which connotes character: both good and bad, and each has its reward. The way you choose to live also matters. The world also needs you to be patient and live well.”
According to the Paramount Ruler, if good people do nothing, evil will continue to prevail even as he called for attitudinal change, cultural festivals rebranding, opening up of tourist sights, and good parenting, which is the root of all courses.
He charged parents to train their children in the way they should go, advising that parents should talk their children out of bad habits.
The King, who also serves as patron of the League of Imam and Vice President of the Jam’atu Nasrul Islam in Kogi State, lamented the damage drug addiction has caused Ebira youths.
He suggested an annual get-together of all sons and daughters of the soil to have a unique time to celebrate one another with a sense of belonging to a kingdom. He added that such forum could be used to generate and discuss ideas, initiatives, values, and norms to build a better society.
“It is high time to rise to this occasion to build a better society.”
The Ohinoyi encouraged the people to uphold the values of their forefathers, change the narrative, and that the orientation should start now, through the concerned people of Ebira, to guide the steps of the next generation.
“I am also not happy with how some community leaders have sold pieces of land to people at random, which could lead to the future wipe-out of such communities, with God-deposited natural resources worth billions of naira taken away for a small amount. This should not be supported by all.”
On cultural heritage and tourist centres, the Ohinoyi called for the proper overhauling and projection of some annual festivals known to be harmful due to their nature, and stereotyping, insisting that Ebira festivals are violent in nature.
He called on the people to think of an appropriate time and mode of celebration to attract other tribes, states and the international communities.
“I am for all Ebira people, and it will be to the glory of God if good things are spoken of us as a people. I will be glad that you are all doing well, attracting good things, and building a society where no violence will prevail.”
The Ohinoyi called for peaceful coexistence, respect for those in authority, and love for one another if Ebira must move forward.
He called for the inauguration of seven different committees and subcommittees with mandates to address social, economic, and political issues, rebrand and promote cultural heritage and tourism, promote inclusive development, and engage local communities in the process.
Their assignment was also to effect the orientation of attitudinal change among Ebira youths. It is expected that all committees will have representatives from traditional rulers, Christians, Muslims, youths, and the elderly for an all-encompassing dialogue and brainstorming for positive impacts.
The Ohinoyi used the occasion to announce an upcoming event at his palace that will attract over 200 course mates from the Nigerian Army and guests from across Nigeria, who will visit significant historical places in Kogi Central, starting from 23 April. He called on the people to rally round him for a successful event.
The Ohinoyi commended the immediate past Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, for his proactiveness in restoring peace, harmony, and unity among all Kogites, with social and infrastructural development across the three senatorial districts.
He also appreciated the present Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for building on existing achievements and more.
Many prominent persons attended the meeting, including traditional title holders, former and present lawmakers, professors, technocrats, government officials, civil servants, market women, Ebira elites, and youths.
