President Bola Tinubu says the federal government remains committed to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to advance peace, security, national cohesion and sustainable development across the country.
Mr Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Monday at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Dutse, Jigawa State.
The minister, in a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, conveyed the president’s message to traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria.
He said the Tinubu administration fully recognised the strategic role of traditional institutions and remained committed to deepening engagement with traditional rulers in advancing peace, security, national cohesion and development.
Mr Idris commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, for its contributions to peace, unity, security and development in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking on the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” the minister described peace as the foundation for development and prosperity.
“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he said.
Mr Idris said traditional rulers remained critical partners in governance and peacebuilding because of their close relationship with communities and their ability to mobilise citizens around important national objectives.
“Across generations, our traditional rulers have served as custodians of culture and values, mediators in times of conflict, and trusted bridges between government and the people.
“Your proximity to the grassroots and your moral authority make you indispensable partners in governance, peacebuilding and community mobilisation,” he said.
On security, the minister said the federal government had strengthened coordination among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions, resulting in gains against criminal and terrorist groups in several parts of the country.
“While challenges remain, the administration is sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
“At the same time, we recognise that lasting peace cannot be achieved through security operations alone. We must also address poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and the lack of economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity.”
The minister highlighted several government initiatives aimed at creating jobs, improving livelihoods and supporting long-term economic growth.
He listed the initiatives to include interventions in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit and support for small businesses.
Mr Idris described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark decision that would modernise livestock production, improve productivity, support pastoral and farming communities and reduce conflicts associated with competition for natural resources.
According to him, the ministry is a strategic intervention in a sector with significant potential for job creation, food security, export earnings and economic growth.
The minister also highlighted the gederal government’s four Legacy Highway Projects — the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor.
He said the projects would strengthen national integration, improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, expand access to markets and create jobs.
“These highways will improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, expand access to markets, create jobs, and support the movement of agricultural produce and other goods.
“Beyond their economic value, they are investments in national unity,” he said.
Mr Idris further said the Renewed Hope Agenda was creating opportunities for Nigerians through programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and targeted support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He emphasised that development programmes could only succeed when citizens understood them and actively participated in them.
According to him, traditional rulers have an important role to play in promoting public awareness and countering misinformation.
“In an age characterised by the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, traditional rulers remain among the most trusted leaders in our society.
“Your continued support in promoting truth, dialogue, tolerance, and responsible citizenship is essential to our collective progress,” he said.
The minister expressed confidence that the meeting would generate practical recommendations to strengthen peace, deepen unity and accelerate development across Northern Nigeria and the country.
He also conveyed condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution and the family of the late retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar.
Mr Idris described the deceased as a distinguished patriot whose death was a tragic loss to the nation.
“We mourn the loss of a distinguished patriot who served Nigeria with honour and dedication. His death is a painful reminder of the urgent need to sustain our collective efforts against insecurity,” he said.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, government officials and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting peace, unity and development in Northern Nigeria.
Among those in attendance were Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Others were the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; the Emir of Hadejia, Adamu Abubakar Maje; the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; and the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, among others.
(NAN)
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