On a courtesy visit to the Benin monarch on Tuesday ahead of the 2024 Democracy Dialogue of his Foundation holding in Benin City, Edo State, Thursday June 13, Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, underscored the need for functional for citizens.
Intimating Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, of his mission in the state, for which he sought his prayers and royal blessing, Dr. Jonathan noted that democracy and education were key to evolving moral change in African society.
A statement by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, chief press secretary to the Oba, quoted Jonathan as saying that he had continually used his Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation to deepen education and good governance for a better society. The former president hinted Oba Ewuare 11 that his counterparts from the Republic of Benin, Kenya, and former Vice President of Nigeria, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, would speak at the Dialogue with the theme: “Functional Education And Effective Leadership”.
Responding, the Benin monarch posited that “The idea of holding the Dialogue in Benin City is an indication of your personal recognition of Benin as home of Africa.”
Recalling his cordial working relationship with Dr Jonathan during his Diplomatic sojourn before he ascended the throne, Oba Ewuare 11 said, “We are all on the same page on the theme (education) of the programme. We pray you have a conducive environment to discuss”.