Governor of Enugu state, Dr Peter Mbah has urged the traditional rulers in the South East to rise to their roles of custodians of culture and promote Igbo culture which XX is gradually going into extinction .
HRM, Eze Okeke Chairman South East traditional council of traditional rulers.
He made the call on Thursday, in his address during the meeting of the South East traditional rulers held in Enugu
Represented by the commissioner for rural development and chieftaincy, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, governor Mbah told the royal fathers that traditional rulers play a major role of preserving the culture of the people and not just breaking of kolanuts.
Chairman Enugu state council of traditional rulers, HRM Owe Samuel Asadu.
He highlighted the strategic roles of the traditional institutions in regional unity, peace-building and socio-economic revival
The traditional rulers that attended the meeting.
Speaking on the evolving relevance of traditional institutions, Governor Mbah emphasized that Igbo leadership has always been rooted in honour, moral standing and community trust. He praised the Igwes, Ezes, Obis, Ozor title holders and Ndi Ichie for sustaining justice, morality and cultural cohesion.
“In a fast-changing world, our royal fathers remain the anchor to our history and identity,” he stated, urging them to continue mediating conflicts, preserving communal values and guiding the youth.
Call for Unity and Regional Collaboration
Ogbodo urged traditional rulers to leverage their influence to promote peace, curb youth involvement in drugs and crime, preserve cultural identity and support inter-state cooperation across the South East.
Earlier, , the Commissioner described Enugu as “the heartland of the South East and the home of leadership, culture and the collective memory of our people.” He traced the city’s historical importance as the birthplace of major institutions and ideologies that shaped the old Eastern Region, noting that the values of unity, industry and resilience championed by leaders such as Dr. Michael Okpara and Akanu Ibiam continue to guide the region.
The Commissioner also highlighted the r development taking place in Enugu State under the leadership of Governor Mbah. He attributed them to the administration’s bold economic vision to grow the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, supported by reforms in ease of doing business, digital governance and public service modernization.
He said Enugu is undergoing infrastructural transformation, with major road reconstruction projects, the new Enugu Smart City, transport modernization and the 9th Mile water scheme all underway.
One of the most celebrated achievements, according to the Commissioner, is the restoration of water supply to Enugu metropolis. “In less than one year in office, the Governor solved the water crisis that plagued Enugu for nearly twenty years,” he said, adding that the state now produces about 120 million litres of potable water daily.
On investments in Education, Health and Security, the governor said his administration has built 260 Smart Schools across all electoral wards, upgrades of Type Two hospitals statewide, and deployment of drones and surveillance vehicles to strengthen security. These initiatives, he said, align with global development standards and are improving safety, learning outcomes and overall quality of life.
He described the gathering as “a convergence of wisdom, heritage and leadership,” with significant implications for regional stability and economic recovery.
He called for unity, saying “Let this gathering symbolize a renewal covenant for the South East. Ndi Igbo are known for resilience andûv strength. We will always surmount our challenges.”, Ogbodo said
Speaking, the chairman Imo state Council of traditional rulers and chairman, South East council of traditional rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze ( Dr.) E. C. Okeke of Anieke Ancient Kingdom assured that traditional rulers in the South East zone will be working together to fight insecurity and preserve and promote Igbo culture.
He thanked the Governor of Enugu state for the good works he is doing in the state and for hosting the traditional rulers” zonal meeting.
