President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s traditional institutions as vital instruments of peace, unity, and progress, noting that they remain critical partners in his administration’s nation-building agenda.
The president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, spoke on Saturday at the annual Igede Agba Festival held in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Igede Agba Festival, first celebrated in September 1957 at Ihigile Market, is a cornerstone of the agricultural life of the Igede people — the third-largest ethnic group in Benue. The festival serves as a thanksgiving for the yam harvest, regarded as the most revered crop in the area.
Speaking at the event, Akume emphasised that traditional rulers play a pivotal role in fostering peace and stability across communities, describing the institution as “a veritable tool for solving developmental and sundry issues.”
He said, “The traditional institution has remained an instrument for peace, unity and progress, and a veritable tool for our administration to explore in solving developmental purposes and other sundry issues. It also serves as a critical player in peace-building processes in troubled zones.”
The SGF lauded the Igede Traditional Council for preserving its cultural heritage, which, he noted, has remained a beacon of unity among its people.
Reiterating Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive development, Akume said the Renewed Hope Agenda is positively impacting all regions of the country.
He stressed that Benue State has already benefited through “federal appointments, infrastructural projects, and the award of the Oju–Ogoja road contract.”
The paramount ruler of the Igede, Oga Ero (the Adiharu of Igede), thanked Tinubu for the appointments given to indigenes of the state and for approving the road construction project.
He said, “Your Excellency, I and my entire kingdom are very grateful to you for honouring our invitation to celebrate our cultural heritage. We are overwhelmed with joy to receive the news of the award for the construction of the Oju–Ogoja Road. This road has been a nightmare to us for years, but your government has graciously come to our rescue.”
Nigeria’s traditional institutions have historically played crucial roles in maintaining social order, resolving disputes, and preserving cultural heritage.
Successive governments have recognised their influence at the grassroots, often engaging traditional rulers in peace-building, security, and community mobilisation efforts.
The Igede Agba Festival, beyond its cultural significance, is also a political and social platform that brings together government leaders, traditional authorities, and citizens in celebration of identity and unity.
In recent years, traditional rulers have been increasingly called upon to complement government efforts in tackling insecurity, especially in the Middle Belt, where communal clashes, herder-farmer conflicts, and banditry have threatened peace.
By reaffirming his administration’s support for traditional institutions at the Igede Agba Festival, Tinubu seeks to strengthen local structures that can contribute to stability, cultural preservation, and national development.
