Nigeria at 62 Oba of Benin seeks end to ASUU strike

By Adeleye Kunle

His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has said the 62nd Independence anniversary of Nigeria may be more meaningful if the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) reach truce to end the industrial action in public universities.

According to the Benin monarch, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, the Federal Government and ASUU should, as a matter of urgency, find amicable solutions so as to put an end to disruption in academic calendars of public universities.

The Oba said though “the independence celebration may not offer much pageantry to some citizens, the mere fact that the nation has remained one indivisible sovereignty, despite daunting challenges, deserves a compliment.

He noted that the resilience of some Nigerians may have made the nation proud and those who paid the supreme sacrifice for Nigeria’s survival since independence from Britain, deserves mention.

The Benin monarch said he was also optimistic that Nigeria will surmount her current travails and emerge in victory through prayers and hard work, irrespective of the economic hardship, insecurity, conflicts, and endless agitations.

He advised contemporary leaders to always aspire to make an impact through leadership skills, especially with a sense of responsibility and patriotism by citizens for the nation to truly attain its status as the giant of Africa both in practice and principle