The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has called for greater collaboration among African traditional rulers to promote peace, security and development across the continent.
The revered monarch made the call during a courtesy visit to Julius Maada Bio and the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, at the Presidential Villa in Freetown, as part of his ongoing cultural exchange visit to Sierra Leone.
During the meeting, the Asagba, popularly known as Nna Agu, briefed President Bio on his activities since arriving in Sierra Leone, particularly his efforts aimed at strengthening cultural and traditional ties between African societies.
He stressed the need for traditional institutions across Africa to unite and play more active roles in fostering peace and advancing development, noting that such leadership structures were central to governance in pre-colonial Africa.
The monarch also informed the Sierra Leonean leader of his visit to Njala University, where he expressed readiness to support the growth and development of legal studies at the institution.
In his response, President Bio commended the Asagba’s visit and praised his vision of promoting cultural exchange and bridging divides among African traditional communities.
The Sierra Leonean President, who currently serves as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, pledged to facilitate a conference of West African traditional rulers in support of the Asagba’s initiative to position monarchs as drivers of peace, security and development in the region.
The First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, also lauded the monarch for what she described as a bold and commendable step toward uniting African kings and strengthening traditional institutions.
She and the President further promised to visit Asaba in appreciation of the Asagba’s visit and engagements in Sierra Leone.
As part of the visit, Chief Barrister Philips Ejike Nwokolo and Chief Patrick Ndili presented the traditional Akwa Ocha attire to President Bio and his wife on behalf of the Asagba and the people of Asaba Kingdom.
