A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has said traditional institutions should be recognized are they are the centres of governance, conflict resolution and community mobilisation.
Mustapha, who also serve Chairman of the occasion made this observation that long before the emergence of modern administrative structures, in a remarks during the conferment of traditional titles and honours by the Hama Bachama, Dr. Daniel Shaga Ismaila to it’s illustrious son’s and dautjers in Numan Adamawa State,
He said, the endurance and relevance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, security, development and national cohesion, he described them as “living institutions” that remain central to Nigeria’s nation-building efforts.
The former SGF highlighted the historical and contemporary significance of traditional institutions, saying they have continued to play vital roles in preserving cultural identity, promoting social order and providing leadership at the grassroots level.
Mustapha observed that “long before the emergence of modern administrative structures, traditional institutions served as centres of governance, conflict resolution and community mobilisation.”
The Chairman also noted that development initiatives such as roads, schools, healthcare facilities, markets and agricultural programmes can only thrive in environments where there is trust, order and a sense of communal ownership.
Describing traditional institutions as critical partners in governance, Mustapha said they serve as bridges between governments and citizens, helping to connect public policies with the realities of local communities.
Traditional rulers, community leaders, dignitaries and guests at the ceremony, the former SGF said honour goes beyond public recognition and should be regarded as a reflection of service, sacrifice and commitment to community development. According to him, every title bestowed by a traditional institution carries with it a responsibility to serve others and contribute positively to society.
“In every society, honour is more than decoration. It is a public memory of service. It is the community saying to its sons and daughters that their efforts have been acknowledged and that they are being called to even higher duty”. He urged recipients of the honours to view their recognition as a call to greater service rather than a symbol of privilege.
Mustapha noted that traditional titles should not be viewed merely as symbols of status but as instruments of responsibility that require recipients to demonstrate humility, integrity and dedication to communal advancement.
Mustapha argued that peace and stability often begin at the community level through the influence of trusted traditional leaders who possess deep knowledge of local dynamics and are able to detect tensions before they escalate into major conflicts.
“Across many communities, peace does not begin in government offices; it begins in the quiet authority of trusted local leadership, in the wisdom of mediation before conflict hardens, and in the capacity of traditional institutions to hold people together when fear and division threaten the social fabric,” he said.
Congratulating all the title recipients, Mustapha urged them to wear their honours with humility and to remain committed to advancing the peace and progress of the Bachama Kingdom, Adamawa State and Nigeria as a whole.
The former SGF concluded by expressing optimism about the future of the Bachama Kingdom, praying for continued peace, stability and prosperity under the leadership of the Hama Bachama.
