Insecurity: Traditional institutions,  fundamental in promoting peace, stability –Buratai

Insecurity: Traditional institutions,  fundamental in promoting peace, stability –Buratai

The Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai says traditional institutions are fundamental in promoting peace and stability in the society.

Buratai stated this at a five-day seminar and retreat for traditional leaders from the South-West  geopolitical zone held at Fifth Chukker Polo Resort on Tuesday in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the seminar was organised by the Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC).

The theme of the seminar and retreat is “Traditional Institutions and Contemporary Security Challenges in Nigeria”.

Buratai, who is the Chairman of TBRC said traditional rulers play key roles  in fostering harmonious relationships and ensuring security within our society.

He said the seminar seeks to address the critical security challenges facing the nation and explore the significant contributions traditional institutions can make towards sustainable peace and stability.

Burutai said the traditional leaders have the eyes and ears of the people they administer as traditional rulers .

He said, ”One of the key aspects of security is information, once you have that information converted  into intelligence, it will help all the security agencies to be able to address any challenge that comes their way.”

He said the seminar was also to remind the traditional leaders of their responsibility .

Burutai added that they also have a role to support the government in order to achieve the security objectives of the government .

The former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and Chairman, Osun Group 12; Oba Adedokun Abolarin unveling a book on Buratai’s tenure as COAS.

The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed  Bamalli, while declaring the seminar open, said traditional rulers must devote time, thinking, and action to the preservation and promotion of the traditional institutions.

Bamalli said  through careful planning, effective handling and dialogue, the challenges can be surmounted.

“We must be seen to be fair, open, transparent, and incorruptible. We will require the trust, confidence, and respect of our people.

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“We must work together with local and national government, community organizations, and the private sector in addressing problems and seizing opportunities,” Bsmalli added.

He, however, said political and economic development would only be achieved if peace and stability were attained.

“We have a special role in ensuring that peace and security come first.

”The Zazzau Emirate Council, under my leadership and the guidance of Allah will continue to demonstrate its willingness and stake in achieving lasting solutions to our common security challenges.

“I  therefore challenge the participants and the organizers of this seminar to quickly elaborate specific mechanisms and modalities and perhaps even observable procedures for producing concrete outcomes relevant to decision-makers,” Bamalli added.

He said they play a critical role in leading, educating, and mobilizing people behind a shared vision of development, protection, and expansion of our traditional institutions.

“Sustained and sustainable prosperity, peace, and the spirit of the people will make Nigeria a great and enviable nation.

“With hard and selfless work, I am confident that our voyage will be a success and that together we can make a big difference to the future of southwestern Nigeria, our homeland, “Bamalli said.

Also in his remarks, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, said traditional leaders were essential bridges between the nation’s rich heritage and aspirations for a secure and prosperous future.

Abolarin,  who is the Chairman Osun Group 12, said traditional leaders embody the values of community, inclusivity, and resilience that have always defined Nigerians.

” As we navigate the complexities of modern threats and challenges, we must recognize the vital role that traditional leadership plays in fostering peace, stability, and national unity.

“As we confront the security challenges of our time, from terrorism to banditry, from kidnapping to communal conflicts.

”We must harness the influence and authority of our traditional leaders to mobilize our communities and promote peaceful coexistence.

“We must also recognize the critical role that our traditional leaders play in preserving our cultural identity and promoting social cohesion, “he said.

The Oba said traditional leaders must help to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose, reminding us that our differences are what make us stronger.

“Let us embrace the wisdom of our traditional leaders, let us support their efforts to build peace and stability, and let us work together to create a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive in safety, “Abolarin said.

NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the unveiling of a book, ‘General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and the Modernization of Nigerian Army 2015- 2021’.