Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa has called for stronger collaboration to tackle insecurity and social challenges confronting Northern Nigeria.
He made the appeal on Monday during the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Dutse.
The gathering attracted traditional rulers from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking on the theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” Namadi stressed the need for collective action.
He described traditional rulers as vital partners in governance, peacebuilding and grassroots development.
According to the governor, insecurity, poverty and youth unemployment remain major concerns across the region.
He also highlighted farmer-herder clashes, drug abuse, climate challenges and rising numbers of out-of-school children.
Namadi warned that weakening community values continues to worsen social and security problems.
He said meaningful progress would require cooperation among governments, traditional institutions, religious leaders, security agencies and citizens.
The governor commended the Northern States Governors’ Forum for strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers.
He also praised the administration of Bola Tinubu for ongoing efforts to improve security nationwide.
Namadi noted that military operations, intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination have contributed to addressing security threats.
He said the recent Northwest Peace and Security Summit in Katsina further enhanced regional cooperation.
Despite ongoing interventions, the governor urged leaders to address social conditions that often fuel violence.
He noted that insecurity has displaced families and affected access to education and livelihoods.
According to him, women and children remain among the worst affected by conflict and instability.
Namadi advocated community-based security and peace committees to strengthen dialogue and prevent conflicts.
He revealed that Jigawa State has already established such committees to support peacebuilding efforts.
The governor also announced plans to introduce measures promoting social cohesion and combating substance abuse.
He urged parents and community leaders to take greater responsibility for guiding young people.
Strengthening families, schools and religious institutions, he said, remains crucial for raising responsible citizens.
Namadi maintained that peace, security and development are closely connected and cannot be separated.
He expressed confidence that the meeting would generate practical solutions for the region’s challenges.
The gathering ended with a renewed commitment to stronger cooperation in advancing peace and development across Northern Nigeria.
