Tinubu seeks stronger ties with Northern monarchs

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to promote peace, security, national cohesion and sustainable development across Nigeria.

Represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Dutse, Jigawa State, the President said traditional rulers remain strategic partners in governance and peacebuilding.

“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 said.

The minister commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, for its contributions to peace, unity and development across northern Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme, Peace, Unity and Development of the North, Idris stressed that peace remains 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.

According to him, traditional rulers have remained custodians of culture and values, mediators during conflicts and trusted bridges between government and the people.

On security, the minister said the Tinubu administration had strengthened coordination among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions, leading to gains against criminal and terrorist groups in different parts of the country.

He, however, noted that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military operations alone.

“We must also address poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and the lack of economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity,” he said.

Idris highlighted several government initiatives aimed at creating jobs and improving livelihoods, including interventions in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit and support for small businesses.

He described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark decision that would modernise livestock production, improve productivity and reduce conflicts associated with competition for natural resources.

“The ministry represents a strategic intervention in a sector with enormous potential for job creation, food security, export earnings and national economic growth,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s four legacy highway projects, namely the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor.

According to him, the projects will improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, create jobs and support the movement of goods and agricultural produce across the country.

He also said programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation and support for micro, small and medium enterprises, are designed to create opportunities for Nigerians.

Idris urged traditional rulers to continue promoting public awareness and countering misinformation, noting that they remain among the most trusted leaders in society.

“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 also conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the government and people of Katsina State over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar.

“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.