The coronation of Charles Jaja as the paramount ruler of Opobo Kingdom on Saturday set the tone for a renewed focus on agriculture and local development, Vanguard reported.
Jaja took the throne in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, and told guests he would pursue partnerships to turn the kingdom into a hub for agriculture and agribusiness in the Niger Delta, Vanguard reported.
At the ceremony, Jaja said accelerating agricultural development would create thousands of jobs and speed up the kingdom’s growth. He pointed to Opobo’s past as a vibrant agro economy in the late 1800s and invoked his forefather, King Jaja, saying the kingdom’s early economic influence grew from control of the waterways.
Vanguard reported that Jaja pledged his administration would strengthen economic ties across regions and explore partnerships to boost agriculture and agribusiness. He also called for improved infrastructure in oil-bearing communities and for the optimal implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, saying, “We remain hopeful that the optimal implementation of the PIA will benefit oil-bearing communities.”
During his address, Jaja listed local priorities he said must be addressed: durable roads, jetties, shoreline protection, quality healthcare, tertiary educational institutions and functional skills development centres, Vanguard reported.
Vanguard added that Jaja commended government recognition of traditional institutions and pledged to promote unity, truth and justice throughout the kingdom.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan attended the coronation and congratulated Jaja, Vanguard reported. Jonathan described the event as a symbol of cultural preservation and expressed confidence that the new monarch’s reign would bring peace, unity and development to Opobo. Vanguard quoted him saying, “I am hopeful that you would enjoy the partnership that you deserve from the government and relevant authorities. I am also confident that you will use the dignity of your office to preserve the values and traditions handed down by your forebears.”
Vanguard reported that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara congratulated the new ruler and prayed for unity, progress and purposeful leadership. The report said the governor described the coronation as a celebration of historical identity, culture and enduring heritage. Vanguard added that Prof. Ngozi Odu, the deputy governor, represented the state at the event.
Prominent traditional rulers were present, Vanguard reported, including the Igwe of Onitsha and the Olu of Warri.
The coronation, as presented by Vanguard, combined a call to revive Opobo’s agricultural past with demands for infrastructure and better implementation of federal oil laws. Local leaders and national figures attended, giving the new monarch a platform to link cultural authority with economic and infrastructural priorities.
Featured image: Dappasolomon001 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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