Igwe Ogadagidi assures Hausa community of inter-ethnic harmony

By Ikemefuna Ikem

The traditional ruler of Edem-Ani community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu (Igwe Ogadagidi) has said that he will partner with the leaders of Hausa community in the state to enhance inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony.

Igwe Asadu gave the assurance in Nsukka on Wednesday when Alhaji Abubakar Sambo, the (Sarki Hausawa) leader of Hausa community in Enugu State

paid him a courtesy visit to his palace in the Edem-Ani community.

He said that he will always use his position as a traditional ruler to entrench better understanding and tolerance amongst Nigerians of different ethnic groups in his community and the entire country to promote peace, unity, neighbourliness, and love for one another.

"We have to use our positions as the leaders of the people to promote peaceful coexistence among tribes in Nigeria, as well as respect each other's culture, religion, and ethnicity.

We are one people from one Creator, therefore we must concentrate on things that unite us, things that will promote love, peace, unity, and progress as well as things that will better our living conditions because we have been united divinely by God.

"As an advocate of peace and national unity, we must open our arms and show love for one another, as well as maintain cordial relationships with our Hausa brother and other tribes in our midst.

"I'm fully committed to inter-religious and inter-ethnic harmony and would continue to do so to maintain inter-ethnic and religious tolerance among the people," he said.

The Monarch commended Alhaji  Sambo and his Hausa community in the state for their peaceful disposition, he urged them to remain law-abiding and cooperate with their host communities for peace, development, and national unity.

He described the Sarki Hausawa Enugu State's visit to his palace as an honour he would never forget.

Responding, the Sarki Hausawa Enugu State said that his visit to  Igwe Asadu kingdom was to formally identify with him and to build an inter-ethnic and religious relationship between his kingdom and the Hausa community.

"I am here to familiarise and build an inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony between the good people of Edem-Ani ancient kingdom and the Hausa community in Enugu State through Igwe Asadu.

"I am happy and honoured to identify with a great King like you, my relationship with you is going to translate across our communities to maintain peace, love, and unity in our country.

"We are aware how Igwe Ogadagidi is transforming Edem-Ani community into a small London through the ongoing asphalting of the community access road, free hospital, free daily food for indigent members of the community, and his other numerous philanthropic gestures," he said.

Sambo, who is also the National Vice Chairman, Inter-Tribal Leaders Association of Nigeria (ITTLAN) said further that the Hausa community are enjoying cordial relationship with Enugu host communities, this was even as he described Enugu as one of the most accommodating and peaceful states in the country.

He reiterated that the the leadership of Hausa community in Enugu would continue to co-operate with the traditional institutions in the states and thanked the Monarch for his warm reception.

The Hausa leader also prayed that the Almighty Allah should continue to bless Igwe Asadu with good health, wisdom and keep him alive to continue his good leadership works for his kingdom and humanity.

Those present during the courtesy visit include; HRH, Igwe Herbert Ukuta, the traditional ruler of Iggah community in Uzo-Uwani LGA, HRH Igwe Christopher Agu, the traditional ruler of Owere Ede-Oballa community in Nsukka LGA.

Others are Chief Sunday Ugwuanyi palace secretary, Chief Ambrose  Ezema, (MC Wakete) palace's master of ceremony, Chief Ozor Jude Obute, Igwe's cabinet member, among others.