As part of activities marking his 18th coronation anniversary, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I, has urged aviation and airline operators in Nigeria to reduce airfares, highlighting how insecurity on the roads forces many to choose costly flights over dangerous land travel.
The monarch made the call on Saturday during the public presentation of his autobiography, Odyssey of Royalty, at his palace in Effurun, Delta State.
“With the fearful trend of insecurity in the country, flying is now presumed safer than all other means of transport, but the sky-high cost of flying seems even scarier than skydiving.
“Some people say it is still cheaper to pay expensive airfares than to negotiate with kidnappers for gargantuan ransom payments. That is not funny at all,” Abe I said.
He further stressed that the current situation where citizens feel compelled to pay inflated fares is detrimental to national development.
“I earnestly appeal to the airlines operating in the country to consider a downward review of airfares in the best interest of national development,” the monarch added.
Abe I also commended the Federal Government for evolving pragmatic policies while calling on traditional and religious leaders to join forces with government to promote unity, economic empowerment, and social upliftment.
“The government alone cannot solve the problems of Nigeria. More than ever, traditional rulers and religious leaders need to join forces with government to propagate the core message of unity and compassion, economic empowerment, and upliftment of the masses.
“As leaders, we are expected to be exemplary, shun self-aggrandizement, depravities and profligacy. Every cloud has a silver lining, and it is always darkest at the hour before the dawn. We shall overcome all these problems and Nigeria shall triumph,” he said.
The monarch also thanked the citizens of Uvwie for their loyalty and resilience saying, “Whatever I have been able to accomplish as a monarch is a reflection of our robust socio-economic inclusivity approach, the organic solidarity and manifold resilience of Uvwie people in the pursuit of our shared goals. Thank you for being who you are – good people.”
The event drew notable dignitaries and congratulatory messages. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, praised the monarch’s reign as a testament to peace in the Kingdom.
Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, through his Chief of Staff, Hon. Prince Erijo, congratulated Abe I, stating that his 18-year reign exemplified leadership, progress, unity, peace, and stability.
The governor added that the State Government and traditional leadership are working together to uphold and respect culture.
Former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), represented by the Managing Director of TANTITA Security Services, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi, who was in turn represented at the event, officially launched the book with a donation of fifty million naira, describing it as “a legacy that all our generations will look forward to.”
Other dignitaries present included, Senator Ede Dafinone, Chief Ighoyota Amori, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, as well as traditional rulers and community leaders from across the country.
