The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, on Saturday received as gifts two tortoises said to be 117 years old.
The Oba received the tortoises when he visited traditional rulers in the Edo North senatorial district.
He was received at the palace of the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Aliyu Momoh, Ikelebe III, in the Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
During the visit, Oba Ewuare II called on traditional rulers in Edo State to promote measures aimed at conserving the environment and encouraging forest regeneration.
He urged the traditional rulers in the area to support his initiative on youth empowerment and job creation.
He stressed the need to key into the agricultural policies of the state government, by making land available to investors and encouraging the youths to embrace agriculture to boost food production.
Oba Ewuare II said, “The state government is partnering investors to provide incentives for investors to boost agriculture and create employment.
“Encourage your youths to take advantage of this initiative.
“We are taking steps to restore sanity to our villages and towns by stamping out activities of community development associations. Their activities have been criminalised. Support this crusade and stamp them out of your domains.”
Oba Ewuare II, who said Edo North would continue to be blessed with good weather, expressed optimism that the people would be rewarded with good harvest this year.
In his remark, the Otaru of Auchi pledged the support of other traditional rulers in Edo North for the Benin monarch.
He also urged the Oba to lead the advocacy for the roles of traditional rulers to be captured or specified in the country’s constitution.
