Writing by Naomi Anzaku; Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and its National Planning Committee, has held a high-level engagement with traditional rulers as part of activities marking the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW).
The meeting, convened under the Kaduna State Traditional Rulers Strategic Forum at the State House, brought together first-class chiefs from across the state to deliberate on peace, security, and food security.
Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadeeq Mamman Lagos, assured traditional rulers of their inclusion in governance. He said the administration recognises their strategic role in security management and grassroots development.
President of NIPR, Ike Neliaku, described traditional rulers as key partners in communicating government policies, noting that their closeness to the grassroots makes them vital in ensuring public understanding and acceptance of policies.
He stressed that effective communication remains central to successful governance, adding that policies can only yield results when citizens understand and embrace them.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, called for constitutional reforms to strengthen the role of traditional rulers. He said their contributions to peacebuilding and grassroots development are underutilised due to lack of formal legal backing.
Earlier, Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in building trust and shaping public communication.
“No policy can succeed without peace. No agricultural system can thrive amid instability,” he said.
Tomi Badejo described Kaduna as a symbolic host for the event, tagged “Croc City 2026,” and reiterated that peace is essential for achieving food security and sustainable national development.
