Oba of Benin Appeals To France To Help Establish Firms In Nigeria
-Iduozee Paul Benin
Omo- N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare ll
The Oba of Benin, Omo-N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare ll has appealed to the French government to help establish companies and firms in Nigeria to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
The Benin monarch who, made the appeal when the France ambassador to Nigeria and his entourage paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Benin city, said setting up the firms would engage the youths in lawful venture and take their minds away from illegal migration.
Oba Ewuare II described the cultural integration between Nigeria and France as apt in the quest to defeat the war against human trafficking and other social vices.
“It is not part of our culture to promote negativity but to promote the positivity of our culture… We cannot standby to have our culture portrayed in bad light”, the monarch stressed.
“I urge the French Government to help establish companies in Nigeria that could engage the youths in lawful venture and take their minds away from illegal migration,” the Oba added.
Responding to the Oba’s appeal, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jerome Pasquier, recalled the steps so far taken by the Oba of Benin in the fight against human trafficking and praised his commitment to the preservation of cultural and African heritages.
Jerome Pasquierare told the Oba that there are plans to return missing Benin artifacts which would form part of their discussion.
He said: “I feel very impressed, honoured and privileged to be received by the Royal Majesty. He has been so active here in Benin City on many issues especially on the issue on the fight against human trafficking.
“It is a very difficult issue. The action taken by His Royal Majesty is extraordinary and extremely useful. We know also that he is very much committed to the cultural and African heritage.
“This is going to be the second issue that we are all going to discuss in Benin City. We are going to hold a dialogue with experts to see what France can do for Nigeria in protecting and recovering its heritage”.
The French Government and the ancient City of Benin have strengthened ties towards the stoppage of human trafficking and irregular migration across the African continent.
