The traditional ruler of Da Ogo Community in Buguma, Rivers State Prince Tonye Princewill has urged Nigerians to embrace inter-ethnic marriages, describing them as a powerful mechanism for national unity and harmony. The appeal came on the occasion of a traditional wedding ceremony uniting an Esan family from Edo State with a Kalabari family from the Rivers Kingdom.
According to the monarch, a union between individuals of different ethnic backgrounds is more than a personal commitment it binds entire communities together. He highlighted that such marriages bridge cultural divides and foster understanding between diverse ethnic groups, ultimately contributing to lasting peace in Nigeria.
Princewill also recalled that he himself married outside his tribe 27 years ago, marking the start of a lifelong commitment that underscored the strength of cultural integration. He urged other Nigerians to follow the example, noting that the realisation of national cohesion requires personal sacrifices and the courage to look beyond ethnic boundaries.
Observers say the monarch’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with recurring ethno-religious tensions and calls for social integration, making the advocacy for inter-ethnic marriages both timely and relevant.
