Jigawa State Governor Mallam Umar Namadi has called for stronger collaboration among governments, traditional institutions, religious leaders, security agencies, and citizens to address insecurity and other social challenges confronting Northern Nigeria.
A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the Governor,Hamisu Mohammad Gumel said the governor made the call while declaring open the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC), held in Dutse, under the theme “Peace, Unity, and Development of the North.”
The meeting brought together the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Executive Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, PSC; traditional rulers from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory; and other key stakeholders.
In his speech at the event, Governor Namadi described the meeting as a timely platform for advancing practical solutions to the region’s growing security and socio-economic challenges.
He noted that Northern Nigeria continues to contend with insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, drug abuse, climate-related pressures, farmer-herder conflicts and the rising number of out-of-school children, stressing that no single institution can address these challenges alone.
According to the governor, peace and security remain at the heart of his administration’s 12-Point Agenda and the broader vision of building a Greater Jigawa.
“We recognize that sustainable progress can only be achieved through participatory governance and close collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders, community structures, and other stakeholders,” he said.
Governor Namadi commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council for consistently placing peace, security, and social stability at the centre of its engagements, describing traditional rulers as trusted partners whose influence remains critical in strengthening community cohesion and resolving conflicts.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing insecurity across the country through intensified military operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger coordination among security agencies.
The governor stressed that while insecurity remains a major concern, attention must also be directed at the social conditions that often fuel instability, including poverty, drug abuse, family breakdown, and limited access to education.
He disclosed that Jigawa State has already established community-based security and peace committees aimed at strengthening dialogue, conflict resolution, early warning systems, and cooperation between communities and security agencies. He added that the state government is also advancing initiatives focused on civic responsibility, social cohesion, and the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Governor Namadi urged traditional rulers and community leaders to continue supporting efforts aimed at promoting responsible parenting, moral values, and youth development, noting that strong families and strong communities remain essential foundations for lasting peace and prosperity.
“I, therefore, urge Your Royal Highnesses to look beyond insecurity alone and examine the wider social ills weakening families and communities and often fueling further conflict. Their consequences are severe: trauma, especially among women and children; displacement; loss of livelihoods; reduced access to education; and the growing number of out-of-school children, orphans, and widows. These conditions threaten the long-term progress and prosperity of Northern Nigeria and require sustained attention beyond immediate security responses.”
He further observed that the progression of themes adopted by the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council over recent years reflects a clear understanding that security is the foundation of peace, peace creates unity, and unity provides the pathway to sustainable development.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto described the meeting as both timely and necessary, given the challenges facing Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
His Eminence said issues such as insecurity, poverty, education, and youth development must remain at the centre of national discourse, noting that their consequences are felt by all communities regardless of location.
“We are all victims of insecurity. We are all affected by the growing number of children who are out of school. We are all concerned about the levels of poverty facing our people,” the Sultan said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to supporting governments at all levels in promoting peace, stability, and development, emphasizing that traditional institutions remain important partners in addressing the region’s challenges.
“The governors lead their respective states. We, as traditional rulers, are their partners. Our role is to support efforts aimed at bringing peace, stability, and development to Northern Nigeria and to Nigeria as a whole,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, the leadership of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Namadi at the Government House, Dutse.
During the visit, the Sultan thanked the governor and the people of Jigawa State for hosting the council’s 8th Executive Committee meeting and commended the administration for its support and recognition of traditional institutions.
He described Jigawa as “a young state but a very promising one” and praised the warm reception and hospitality extended to traditional rulers from across Northern Nigeria.
His Eminence further commended Governor Namadi for the respect and support his administration has consistently accorded traditional institutions, saying that such collaboration strengthens peace, harmony, and effective governance.
Governor Namadi expressed appreciation to the Council for choosing Jigawa State to host the meeting and described the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council as one of the country’s most important institutions.
