30th January, 2022
By Jethro Ibileke
Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has described the Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Prince Clem Agba, as an economic planner whose approach to governance has made a difference in the nation’s economy.
Osinbajo stated this on Saturday, in Auchi, Edo state, during the conferment of chieftaincy tittle on Agba by the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom, Alhaji Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III.
He described the chieftancy title (Oduma of Auchi), as “an endorsement of Agba’s consistent service to Edo people and the nation at large.”
Osibanjo who commend the Otaru of Auchi, for religion tolerance in his kingdom, noted that Auchi is a macrocosm of Nigeria.
According to him, the significance of traditional institutions at this point, comes into being, as they are regarded as the custodians of these values and the people.
“It doesn’t matter whether we are of the same political, ethnic or religion affiliation, what matters most is our bond and shared brotherhood of accommodating all.
“Nigeria need men and women who see our ethnic diversity, not at the point of differences but that of strength. We need men and women who understand that all people of race, ethnic and faith deserved to be treated equally and just,” he said.
The State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said the concern of his government is that of fixing the environment for businesses to thrive in the State.
Obaseki who was represented by his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, charged the youths to mobilize themselves so that they will have to take their destiny in their hands, as the 2023 general election approaches.
In his speech, the immediate past national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, commended the Otaru for the title conferred on the federal minister.
Oshiomhole who described the paramount ruler of Auchi as one of the few traditional rulers in the country who have shown extreme principle and cannot be swayed, flattered or induced with money to submission.
The former Edo State Governor encouraged people in position to perform.
Earlier, the Otaru of Auchi, said the conferment of the chieftaincy title was in recognition of what Agba has done for the State, the community and humanity at large.
In his remark, the man of the moment, Prince Clem Agba, commended the State government for continuing the 10 erosion control projects he started under the administration of former Governor Oshiomhole.
Among dignitaries who grace the event were the Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; her Transportation counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo; Minister of State for Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu; Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare; Accountant-General of the Federation; Auditor of the Federation; former National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, who stood in for Governor Godwin Obaseki; and a host of traditional rulers, led by the representatives of the Oba of Benin.