Traditional institution integral part of peace building, sustanance — Borno Commissioner

The traditional institution in Borno State has been described as an integral part of the society that cannot be neglected in the scheme of things, particularly peacebuilding and sustenance.

The assertion was made by the Commissioner in charge of the Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar.

He was speaking at a town hall meeting organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE), with support from the British Council.

It was a one-day meeting with traditional rulers on reintegration and sustainable peace in Borno State held on 21 February 2024 at the Dujima International Hotel, Maiduguri.

While delivering his welcome address as the convener, Prof. Usman Tar, emphasised the important roles of the traditional institution in the restoration of peace and security in the state.

According to him, “The traditional institution is an important fabric of our society that cannot be neglected and hence, should be carried along in government decision making processes.”

Tar further assured that the Chatham House Rule shall be observed in the meeting as names of contributors in the discussion would be concealed and only their constructive opinions were to be unveiled.

As such, participants were encouraged by the Commissioner to feel free to contribute objectively and critically without fear of intimidation as the Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum-led administration is ever ready to listen to the cries of the citizenry with a view to providing solutions.

He then appreciated all the invited participants, who despite their tight schedules as community leaders, took time to attend the meeting which was aimed at restoring last peace in the state.

Top dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Representative of His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alh. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq; Chief Adviser and Coordinator on Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Support, Dr. Mairo Mandara represented by Dr Babakura Mamman Gadai the Executive Secretary, Office for the Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs.

Other participants included District Heads, Village Heads (Lawans) and other traditional rulers in the state as well as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Internal Security, Mohammed Alhaji Mohammed, other Directors in the Ministry as well as other Heads of relevant agencies and the media.

Highlights of the event included a paper presentation by the SA to the Governor on Security Affairs, Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq on the Borno Model, a non-kinetic approach, to the restoration of peace in the state; a question and answer session, interactive discussions geared towards finding a lasting solution to the insecurity and a group photograph. The outcome of the off camera discussions as contained in a communique are to be forwarded to the Borno State Government for further action.