Edo North celebrates first rain, as Oba of Benin visits

The visit of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, to Edo North senatorial district, last Saturday, coincided with the first rain of the year in the area.

The Benin monarch had embarked on his first official visit to the area in continuation of his ‘thank-you-tour,’ to enable him appreciate traditional rulers in the senatorial district, for their support during the funeral ceremonies of his late father, Oba Erediauwa and his coronation last year.

But, to the people, the Oba’s visit brought blessing of the first rain in the area.

“Do you know how long we have been praying for rain? This rain is a blessing?” a resident, Mallam Audu asked rhetorically

In his comments, Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, said: “It has been difficult to have rain in this zone.

Your presence has brought rain.”

On his part, Oba Ewuare II replied: “Edo North will continue to be blessed with good weather and you will be rewarded with good harvest this year.”

The Oba, presented with a unique gift of two tortoises, whose ages were said to be 117 years, said he was in Edo North to rally traditional rulers in the area to support his initiative on youth empowerment and job creation.

He urged the traditional rulers to key into the agricultural policies of Governor Godwin Obaseki by making land available to investors when the need arises, just as he told them to encourage youths in their respective domains to go into agriculture for increased food production.

“Traditional rulers are encouraged to promote tree planting in their domains for forest regeneration and conserving of the environment.

“The state government is partnering investors to providing incentives for investors to boost agriculture and create employment. Encourage your youths to take advantage of this initiative.

“We are taking steps to restore sanity to our villages and towns by stamping out activities of community development associations. Their activities have been criminalised. Support this crusade and stamp them out of your domains,” the monarch said.

Speaking on behalf of Edo North traditional rulers, Otaru of Auchi, Aliyu Momoh, Ikelebe III, said they were in support of the Benin monarch’s initiatives. He urged the Oba to lead the struggle to include functions of traditional rulers in the Nigeria constitution.