LAGOS, Nigeria – Traditional rulers from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria on Tuesday commended President Bola Tinubu over the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road.
They also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for preserving the Yoruba culture through the reconstruction of the J.Randle Centre for Yoruba culture, Marina.
The rulers who were in Lagos for the 2025 Lagos National Executive Committee Meeting of the National Council Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) went on tour of the J.Randle Centre and later drove through the coastal road.
Commending President Bola Tinubu on the project, the Ooni of Ife, HRM, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja 1 who led other traditional rulers on the tour of the road described the project as massive which will impact positively on the economic growth of the country.
“We are happy. We came from our NEC meeting to see for ourselves the efforts of our government and we are convinced there’s progress in Nigeria. The road passes through seven states making it easier for us to connect with each other very fast. We will continue to pray for the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu. It is a very laudable project.
“As traditional rulers, we are the closest to our people. We decided to come on our own. It is a landmark project and the biggest single in the history of our country. We are very proud of what the federal government is doing,” Ooni said.
In his comment, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh Dr Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, said they were impressed seeing physically the road having read about it in the newspapers and watched it on television.
“We are on the ground to see what we have read in the papers and watched on television. This is a gigantic project by the federal government . We pray Almighty Allah strengthen the federal government. It is a positive development as it will connect seven states,” he said.
King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, FANA, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council also commended President Bola Tinubu on the project but urged him to replicate such in Bayelsa
“I want the government to complete this road in record time because it’s already looking juicy. This project will make a whole lot of difference in Nigeria. I also want to urge the President to also commence the Bayelsa segment because Bayelsa has the widest longest coastline.
His Majesty, Iqwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka Il, Eze Obosi, Eze Ogalagidi who is the Chairman Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council described the project as a ‘legacy from the federal government.
“This is massive and I am so impressed, especially with the space for the rail line. President Tinubu is going to put his name in the sands of time,” he said.
The Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom His Royal Majesty, Pere S.P. Luke Kalanama VIII said the President has done well.
“We pray there is peace in this country because where there’s no peace, there can’t be development. We also pray that this project which cuts across seven states is completed within the time frame. Funds should be provided and the engineers should do the needful.
His Royal Highness, Abubarkar Mohhhamad Ibn Grema,Emir Mai-Tikau, Yobe State also urged the president to replicate the project in other parts of the country.
“The people should make very good use of the road. It is a laudable project. We really appreciate what we saw and we are calling on Mr President to replicate the project all over the nation.”
The Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oore of Otun Ekiti , Oba, Dr, Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, who is the SouthWest Coordinator of Traditional Rulers said the road will boost the economy among the states.
“Anywhere you see water in the world, there is progress and a boost economy. With this strategic road between Lagos and Calabar, it means there will be business. It will ease movement of goods, improve production and increase the value of our currency,” he said.
