The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Aminu Ado Bayero, has called for stronger ties between Northern and Southern Nigeria, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and national integration rather than divisive tendencies.

The revered monarch made the appeal on Wednesday during the unveiling of the Ado Bayero Gallery and the official commissioning of the Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre (NJ-ICC) in Asaba, Delta State.

Speaking at the event, Emir Bayero described the convention centre as more than a world-class facility, saying it symbolises a bridge that strengthens mutual understanding, respect and cooperation between the Northern and Southern regions of the country.

He stressed that initiatives promoting environmental sustainability and national development provide a solid foundation for peaceful coexistence and greater collaboration among Nigerians.

“Events such as this remind us that our shared commitment to national development and environmental sustainability serves as a strong foundation for unity. We see this gathering as a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties between different parts of our country. Collaboration of this nature is a great way to build bridges across the River Niger,” he said.

The Emir expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on his family through the establishment of the Ado Bayero Gallery, describing it as a gesture of goodwill and recognition.

“This event holds special meaning for us beyond the commissioning of a world-class facility. The occasion also includes the commissioning of the Ado Bayero Gallery, established in honour of our family’s modest contribution to Nigeria’s cultural heritage,” he stated.

He also commended renowned environmentalist and explorer, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, for his decades-long commitment to environmental protection and the fight against desertification across Africa.

According to him, through the activities of FAITH Africa, Dr. Jibunoh has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to land restoration, biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness, making significant contributions to sustainable development on the continent.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the Federal Government remains resolute in addressing pressing environmental issues, including land degradation, drought, deforestation, biodiversity loss, unsustainable land-use practices, and the growing impacts of climate change.

Represented by the Director of Environmental Conservation in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Oruma Rebecca Akuenstionsljuefor, the minister noted that these environmental threats continue to endanger livelihoods, food security, water resources, and ecosystem stability across the country.

“These challenges demand action, innovation, and collective responsibility,” he said, adding that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government is implementing strategic interventions aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, strengthening climate resilience, promoting sustainable land management, and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

Also speaking, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, described the Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre as a landmark investment that would position Delta State as a leading destination for conference tourism, business engagements, cultural exchange, academic discourse and international cooperation.

The monarch said the facility represents far more than an event venue, noting that it is a declaration of Delta State’s readiness to emerge as a regional hub for international conferences, policy dialogues, corporate summits, educational programmes, cultural exhibitions and strategic engagements across West Africa.

Prof. Azinge paid glowing tribute to Dr. Jibunoh, recalling that long before environmental sustainability became a global priority, he had already dedicated his life to advocating for environmental protection and ecological preservation.

Founder of the centre, renowned environmentalist and desert explorer, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, described the NJICC as a world-class facility built to host high-level conferences, corporate events, cultural exhibitions, and institutional gatherings.

Located within the Nelson Mandela Gardens and Resort near the Asaba International Airport, the convention centre features a state-of-the-art auditorium, documentary and exhibition gallery, library, museum, and other facilities that combine modern architecture with Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

Jibunoh said the centre was conceived as a premier hub for environmental advocacy, policy dialogue, research, education, innovation, and the arts, adding that it represents a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations and promote sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.