FLASH POINT

By Shehu Yahaya

Traditional rulers across Kano State have been urged to continue playing active roles in promoting ethical leadership, transparency, accountability and peaceful coexistence as part of efforts to strengthen good governance and national development.

The charge was made during the closing ceremony of an Executive Training Programme on Leadership, Ethics, Anti-Corruption and Good Governance for Traditional Institutions in Kano State.

The programme brought together traditional rulers, local government chairmen, government officials, religious leaders, academics and development partners to deliberate on strategies for improving governance through stronger collaboration between government institutions and traditional authorities.

Addressing participants, Prof. Aminu Bello Gusau,  lead consultants of ANHI, halls Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening traditional institutions and improving governance in the state. He also praised the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, for his commitment to preserving the dignity and relevance of the traditional institution.

According to the speaker, traditional rulers remain the closest leaders to the people because of their understanding of local realities and their ability to resolve conflicts, mobilise communities and foster unity. He stressed that their influence places on them the responsibility of promoting integrity, discouraging corruption and supporting community-driven development.

Gusau, further called on the Kano State House of Assembly, the National Assembly and the Federal Government to consider assigning constitutionally recognised advisory roles to traditional rulers. He argued that such recognition would strengthen coordination between security agencies, local communities and traditional institutions in addressing insecurity, violent extremism, banditry and other emerging threats.

He also expressed concern over the growing Almajiri phenomenon in Northern Nigeria, describing it as a major social challenge that requires collective action. He urged governments, religious leaders, traditional institutions and members of the public to work together in tackling the problem through education and social support.