President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has underscored the pivotal role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s journey towards enhanced peace, security, national cohesion, and sustainable development.
In a powerful address delivered through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 8th
Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC), on Monday.
Tinubu reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening collaboration with these revered custodians of culture and values.
Speaking to an assembly of traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria, Minister Idris conveyed the President’s message, emphasizing the administration’s recognition of the strategic importance of traditional institutions.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fully recognises the strategic role of traditional institutions
and remains committed to deepening engagement with traditional rulers in advancing peace, security, national cohesion, and development.”
Idris lauded the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, under the distinguished leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for consistent contributions to fostering peace, unity, security, and development throughout the region.
The meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” resonated deeply with the Minister’s assertion that peace is the bedrock of progress.
“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he declared.
Highlighting their unique position, the Minister stressed that traditional rulers are indispensable partners in governance and peacebuilding due to their profound connection with communities and their unparalleled ability to mobilize citizens for national objectives.
He remarked, “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.”
On the critical issue of security, Minister acknowledged Tinubu Administration’s ongoing efforts to bolster coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions.
These concerted actions have yielded significant successes against criminal and terrorist elements nationwide.
While challenges persist, the administration is resolute in sustaining military operations, refining intelligence gathering, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
Crucially, the Minister noted that enduring peace necessitates addressing underlying socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and the lack of economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity.
To this end, the Minister outlined several economic initiatives spearheaded by the Federal Government aimed at job creation, livelihood improvement, and long-term growth.
These include strategic interventions in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit, and robust support for small businesses.
A landmark decision, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock
Development, was highlighted as a transformative step to modernize livestock production, boost productivity, support pastoral, farming communities, and mitigate conflicts arising from resource competition.
“The ministry represents a strategic intervention in a sector with enormous potential for job creation, food security, export earnings, and national economic growth,” the Minister affirmed.
Furthermore, Idris drew attention to the Federal Government’s four Legacy Highway Projects: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, CalabarAbuja Super Highway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor.
These projects were described as monumental investments designed to strengthen national integration and unlock vast economic opportunities.
“These highways will improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, expand access to markets, create jobs, and support movement of agricultural produce and other goods. Beyond their economic value, they are investments in national unity,” he explained.
The Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister added, is steadfastly focused on empowering Nigerians through people -centric programs such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), and targeted support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
He underscored that the success of these development programs hinges on citizen understanding and active participation, emphasizing indispensable role of traditional rulers in promoting public awareness and combating 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 concluded.
The meeting is expected to generate actionable recommendations to further solidify peace, deepen unity, and accelerate development across Northern Nigeria and the entire nation.
The Minister also extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution, and the family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, mourning his passing as a profound loss to the nation and a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against insecurity.