Photo: Emir of Nasarawa, Alh. Ibrahim Jibrin
The Emir of Nasarawa, Alh. Ibrahim Jibrin, has said that traditional rulers are key to solving security challenges, peacebuilding and mutual coexistence across the country.
Jibrin stated this on Thursday in Abuja during an international peace, unity and nation building conference organised by Standtall Africa Initiative, a non-governmental organisation.
The theme of the event is, “Building a better and stronger Africa and Nigeria through peaceful co-existence, unity and intellectual engagement.’’
Jibrin noted that security is everyone’s business, including the traditional institution which is well entrenched in the grassroots, hence all hands must be on deck to include them in all efforts aimed at resolving conflicts and addressing security challenges.
According to him, although the roles played by the traditional rulers in addressing peace and security issues may not be seen openly, they are very critical in resolving all manner of conflicts.
“On the part of the traditional system at the grassroots, we gather credible, critical and reliable information on the basis of which vital decisions can be taken.
“I would not subscribe to the fact that we are powerless, no, we are only handicapped, just like any other organisation in the country. It does not however prevent us from performing our duties as responsible citizens and leaders of our various communities.
“Being handicapped of funding cannot be an excuse because, with or without adequate funding, we have to struggle to ensure that peace, security and tranquility reign in our domain and country,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Dr Ogah Emmanuel, Country Representative, Standtall Africa Initiative, said Nigeria deserved quality and lasting peace, adding that everything that ought to be done to ensure national peace across board should be done.
He emphasized that the essence of the event was to complement government efforts to restore peace across the country by making conscious effort to live together as one big nation.
“We are always better and stronger together. Let us not forget the Nigeria of our dreams begins from us,’’ he concluded.
Speaking earlier, Dr Abdullahi Lau, chairman of the event said that the conference was timely as the peace , unity and togetherness of Nigeria and Africa were being threatened by some anti-Nigeria and anti-government elements.
He added that at the end of the event, experts, professionals and scholars would deliberate on the way forward for a better and greater Nigeria of our dreams.
The two-day conference was organized by the Kabiru Gombe Centre for Religious Diversity, Ethics and Peace studies in collaboration with others.
