The Chairman, Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, has underscored the importance of inter-state cultural visits by royal fathers in the six geo-political zone of the country.

According to him, constant exchange of royal visits across the country would not only foster unity among the ethnic groups in Nigeria but also would promote the diverse culture of many ethnic groups and create room for better understanding of them by others.

In a statement he issued after the visit of the Amanyanagbo of Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State, King Douglas Jaja, to Obinugwu in Orlu council of Imo State, Ilomuanya noted that the traditional institution had a vital role to play in the unity and peaceful co-existence of the diverse groups of the country.

Gladdened by the visit, his host averred that the unity of the country is paramount to its survival and challenged traditional rulers to ensure that they are part of the effort to make Nigeria a united and prosperous nation.

He described Jaja as a highly respected royal father who, according to him, has done much to uplift mankind, adding that his visit has given many Nigerians hope of a united nation. He requested his colleagues to fight for the enthronement of justice, fairness and equity and remarked that as custodians of the people's culture, royal fathers must give government the right advice to enable the country move forward.

The statement quoted the Amanyanagbo to have commended his host for introducing dynamism, vibrancy and innovations in the traditional institutions, stressing, "this has elevated the institution in the South East to an enviable height."

Jaja said he was in the state as part of his visits to traditional rulers in the country to invite them on the on-coming Opopo international regatta and invited his host.