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

The position was conveyed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Dutse, Jigawa State, according to a statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim.

The President acknowledged the role of traditional rulers in governance, peacebuilding and community mobilisation, describing them as critical partners in advancing national development.

“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, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for its contributions to peace, security and development across Northern Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme of the meeting, ‘Peace, Unity and Development of the North’, Idris said peace and unity remain essential for progress and prosperity.

“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he stated.

The minister noted that traditional rulers remain important stakeholders because of their close relationship with communities and their ability to mobilise citizens around national objectives.

On security, Idris said the Federal Government had continued to strengthen coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions, resulting in gains against criminal and terrorist groups in different parts of the country.

“While challenges remain, the administration is sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration,” he said.

He added that the government was also addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited economic opportunities, which he said contribute to insecurity.

The minister highlighted ongoing government initiatives 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 strategic intervention aimed at modernising livestock production, improving productivity and reducing conflicts linked to competition for natural resources.

Idris also cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor as major infrastructure projects designed to boost economic growth and national integration.

The minister further stressed the role of traditional rulers in promoting public awareness and combating misinformation, noting that development programmes are more effective when citizens understand and participate in them.

“In an age characterised by the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, traditional rulers remain among the most trusted leaders in our society,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the meeting would produce recommendations capable of strengthening peace, unity and development across Northern Nigeria and the country.

Idris also extended condolences to the government and people of Katsina State over the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing his passing as a loss to the nation.

The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, government officials and other stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria.

Plateau State has recorded 11 confirmed cases of cholera, five deaths and 53 suspected cases, according to the state Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong.

Mr Baamlong disclosed this to journalists on Sunday in Jos, saying the confirmed and suspected cases were reported in Pushit, Mangu 1 and Mangu 2 communities in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA).

He said the Ministry of Health is intensifying public health interventions to contain the outbreak, prevent further spread and minimise its impact on affected communities.

He explained that the state had taken decisive actions to control the outbreak and protect its citizens via the deployment of additional Response Teams (RRTs) to the affected wards, scaling up of treatment centres and isolation capacity and the emergency procurement of Rapid Diagnostic Tests Kits, intravenous fluids and essential drugs.

The Commissioner further said that the ministry had activated an Incident Management System (IMS), for a comprehensive and multi sectorial response to the outbreak.

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“The activation of the IMS ensures a coordinated, efficient, and accountable response structure in line with national and international emergency response frameworks,” he said.

Mr Baamlong explained that cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

He urged residents of Mangu LGA and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and take preventive measures, including drinking safe water, maintaining proper hand hygiene, avoiding open defecation, and ensuring proper waste disposal.

He also advised residents to promptly report suspected cases of cholera to the nearest healthcare facility for immediate attention.

While reaffirming the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of residents, Mr Baamlong called on development partners and other stakeholders to support ongoing response efforts. (NAN)