…Monarch highlights traditional institutions’ role in shaping responsible citizens
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, CON, has stressed the need for greater attention to grassroots development, saying the nation’s future is closely tied to the strength of its communities.
The monarch said the quality of citizens produced within individual communities would ultimately influence the direction and destiny of the country.
In his Independence Day message, Oba Makama maintained that building a prosperous Nigeria requires more than policies at the national level. According to him, attention must also be paid to the values, character and sense of responsibility nurtured within homes and communities.
He described the grassroots as the foundation of national development, noting that the habits and values developed by citizens from an early age can have a lasting impact on society.
The Olowu also underscored the role of traditional rulers in the process, pointing out that monarchs remain important custodians of cultural heritage, communal values and traditions.
He said traditional institutions have a responsibility to help nurture citizens who understand the importance of peace, responsibility, respect for others and service to their communities.
«“Nigeria’s prosperity begins from each palace,” the monarch emphasised.»
Oba Makama noted that the role of traditional rulers extends beyond preserving cultural practices and supervising traditional affairs.
According to him, palaces and community leadership structures can also serve as platforms for encouraging education, youth development, peaceful coexistence and other initiatives that improve the lives of residents.
The monarch therefore called for a renewed commitment to strengthening communities, arguing that national progress becomes more sustainable when citizens are properly prepared and empowered at the grassroots.
He also urged Nigerians to use the Independence anniversary as a moment for reflection on the country’s journey since independence and the collective responsibilities required to build the nation they desire.
For Oba Makama, government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of national development. Families, traditional institutions, community leaders and individual citizens all have roles to play in creating a society where responsible citizenship can thrive.
The Olowu further encouraged traditional rulers to continue supporting initiatives that promote education, skills development, cultural preservation, peace and economic opportunities for young people within their domains.
He maintained that communities capable of producing responsible, skilled and productive citizens would ultimately contribute to a stronger Nigeria.
As the country marks 66 years of independence, the monarch called for greater emphasis on the values that bind Nigerians together, stressing that the journey towards national renewal must begin from the communities where people live and raise their families.
He concluded that building the Nigeria of the future requires collective responsibility, beginning at the grassroots and extending to every level of society.
