Skip to main content

'Traditional Institutions Will Strengthen Democracy, Preserve Cultural Heritage'

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

The Federal Government has disclosed that traditional institutions will strengthen democracy, preserve cultural heritage and contribute massively to conflict resolution in line with internationally accepted rules. 

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Abbas Tijjani Hashim stated this at the launch of the “Traditional Leaders Summit on Mediation, Conflict Management, and Peacebuilding for Sustainable Democracy and Peaceful 2027 General Elections' on Thursday in Abuja.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu is confident in the power of traditional institutions to bolster peace in the country.

“It (summit) will deepen understanding of democratic institutions and electoral processes, develop skills in post-conflict reconciliation and community healing and promote inclusive governance that ensures meaningful participation of women, youth and marginalised groups. Nigeria’s traditional institutions stand as monuments of endurance, wisdom and legacy," he noted. 

Custodians Of Justice
Traditional institutions are also custodians of justice since the customary laws are fully operational within their domain, though with minor challenges. 

Hashim hinted that before the advent of modern state structures, royal fathers like the Emirs, Obas, Obis and traditional council members have served as custodians of peace, justice, and community cohesion. 

"Today, over 150 million Nigerians living within traditional domains look to these institutions not merely as ceremonial relics of the past but as living, breathing systems of governance that touch their daily lives in profound ways," he said. 

Executive Director of ReCAP-Africa, Mr. Sylvester Nandi-Esom pointed out that the summit is intended to bridge the gap between traditional systems and democratic institutions to promote sustainable peace, especially within the justice system.

Crucial For Stability 
The stability of every nation rests on its strong institutions, government policies and conducive environment that will usher in peaceful coexistence. 

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Martyn Smythe praised the forthcoming summit, describing it as crucial for Nigeria’s peace and stability.

He added: "We recognise the importance of conflict management rooted in traditional leadership, which remains essential in addressing the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria."

The Program Specialist, Rule of Law, UNDP Nigeria, Mr. Napoleon Enayaba indicated the central role of traditional institutions as unifying structures and critical tools for peacebuilding.

The event was organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Chieftaincy Matters in partnership with the Research Centre for Advocacy and Policy Advisory in Africa (ReCAP-Africa).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EHCON Seals Deal With SEPHON, EPHPAN, WAHEB To Revamp Environmental, Public Health

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Registrar of  Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) Dr Yakubu Baba  displaying a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Registrar of West African Health Examination Board (WAHEB) Mrs Bola Oladejo in Abuja on Tuesday.  In line with global best practices, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has sealed deal with strategic professional bodies to revamp environmental and public health issues across the country.  They are Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON), Environmental and Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria (EPHPAN), and West African Health Examination Board (WAHEB).  Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba stated this on Tuesday at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the professional bodies in Abuja.  He noted that Environmental Health (EH) is a profession recognised and established by Act 11 of Environmental Health Officers Registration Counc...
Post a Comment
Read more

11- month Unpaid Salaries: FG Returns EHCON To Budget Circle By 2025

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Stakeholders and Staff of EHCON in a group photograph at the unveiling of EHCON’s Electronic Documentation Management Center (EDMC) in Abuja on Wednesday. The Federal Government has stated that plans are underway to return the staff of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) to budgetary allocation by 2025 and facilitate the payment of 11-month unpaid salaries. Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the unveiling of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria's (EHCON) Electronic Documentation Management Center (EDMC).  The centre, which is domiciled at the headquarters of EHCON in the Federal Secretariat, was built by EHCON in partnership with Agro - Climate Resilience in Semi Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) and financed by the World Bank. News Rider reports that the staff of EHCON received their last salary in December 2023, which  implied that from January to November 2024, the workforce are y...
1 comment
Read more

CCB, NILDS Endorse CIFCFIN Agenda To Eliminate Fraud

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Iliyasu Gashinbaki  The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) have endorsed the agenda of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), aimed at eliminating fraud from systems of government.  This was one of the major highlights during the Institute’s 13th Direct Training/Licensed Practitioners Training/graduation and award of Fellowship at NILDS headquarters, Abuja.  Speaking after his investiture as an Honourary Fellow of the Institute, Chairman of CCB, Dr. Abdullahi Bello noted that CIFICFIN embodies excellence, integrity and a steadfast commitment to combating fraud and upholding justice. He pointed out that to be recognised and honoured as a fellow of the institute is a privilege that he will cherish and carry with great responsibility.  “As the Chief Executive of CCB, I am reminded of the critical role we play in fosterin...
Post a Comment
Read more