One of the first steps in this direction is the inauguration of the South-South and South-East Traditional Rulers’ Forum, slated for 2nd and 3rd July 2013 in Yenegoa, the Bayelsa state capital. The theme of the inaugural confab is: “Building Synergy for Sustainable Development in the South-South and South-East Zones.” The keynote address at the opening ceremony is expected to be presented by a renowned Nigerian scholar, Professor Adele Jinadu.
Prominent traditional rulers from across the country who are expected at the Conference include the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife, Shehu of Borno, Etsu Nupe, Alake of Egbaland and Gbon Gwom Jos. Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson will be Chief Host and his opposite numbers from all the other states in the zone will be there. President Goodluck Jonathan is said to have graciously accepted to be the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the event.
Coordinating Secretary of the Forum, Dr. Alfred Chiakor in a release on the event, recalls that the two zones share a common history and were together called the Eastern Region before its balkanization into states, and continue to share common cultural values and heritage as well as strong economic ties.
He stressed the importance of this coming together, noting that development cannot be achieved in isolation from traditional values and cultures, especially in a typically traditional society such as Nigeria, even as he emphasized that this decision to construct a viable synergy has no political undertones whatsoever.