From Joseph Asegba, Yola
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has called for greater recognition of traditional institutions, describing them as vital centres of governance, conflict resolution, and community mobilisation.
Mustapha, who served as Chairman of the occasion, made the remarks during the conferment of traditional titles and honours by the Hama Bachama, Dr. Daniel Shaga Ismaila, on distinguished sons and daughters of the Bachama Kingdom in Numan, Adamawa State.
Speaking at the event, the former SGF stressed the enduring 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.
According to Mustapha, traditional institutions have historically played critical roles in preserving cultural identity, maintaining social order, and providing leadership at the grassroots level.
“Long before the emergence of modern administrative structures, traditional institutions served as centres of governance, conflict resolution, and community mobilisation,” he said.
He noted that development initiatives such as roads, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, and agricultural programmes can only thrive in environments where trust, order, and communal ownership exist.
Describing traditional rulers as indispensable partners in governance, Mustapha said they serve as bridges between governments and citizens by helping to align public policies with the realities and needs of local communities.
Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, dignitaries, and guests at the ceremony, he emphasised that honours and traditional titles go beyond public recognition, describing them as reflections of service, sacrifice, and commitment to community development.
According to him, every title bestowed by a traditional institution carries 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 to view their honours as a call to greater service rather than a symbol of privilege.
Mustapha further stated that traditional titles should not be seen merely as marks of status but as instruments of responsibility that require humility, integrity, and dedication to communal advancement.
He argued that peace and stability often begin at the community level through the influence of trusted traditional leaders who possess deep knowledge of local realities and can identify and address 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 remain committed to advancing peace, unity, and development in the Bachama Kingdom, Adamawa State, and Nigeria as a whole.
He concluded by expressing optimism about the future of the Bachama Kingdom and prayed for continued peace, stability, and prosperity under the leadership of the Hama Bachama.
