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Breaking: Traditional Rulers’ Future Secured in Constitutitional Amendment
Breaking: Traditional Rulers’ Future Secured in Constitutitional Amendment
By Tobouke JEMINE
The roles of traditional rulers in governance and national security are set to be formally recognized, as governors and traditional leaders reached a landmark agreement on their constitutional role. This development follows a meeting between the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the National Council of Traditional Rulers on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The gathering, led by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, focused on a bill currently before the National Assembly. The bill aims to outline the roles and responsibilities of traditional rulers within the constitution.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun addressed the media following the meeting, emphasizing the value of traditional leaders in community security and governance. He noted, “Our traditional rulers are deeply rooted in their communities; they understand the local dynamics better than government officials higher up.”
Governor Abiodun further explained that the bill’s details were shared with attendees and announced that a joint committee would be established to ensure broad input, making the bill more inclusive and responsive to citizens’ needs.
Highlighting the contributions of traditional rulers to local security, Abiodun said, “They are aware of the community’s dynamics, the families, and can significantly contribute to community policing. We are fortunate to have traditional rulers who are highly experienced and well-educated, including retired military personnel who add substantial value to national security efforts.”
The new joint committee, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and comprising 15 members, will work to refine and enhance the proposed legislation.
Governor Abiodun elaborated on the committee’s mandate, stating, “The document we present to the National Assembly will be comprehensive and inclusive, aimed at empowering traditional rulers in governance and enhancing peace and security across the country.”
In addition to discussing the constitutional role of traditional rulers, the meeting also addressed issues of gender-based violence, with praise given to the Sultan of Sokoto’s foundation for its work in this area. Governor Abiodun encouraged other traditional leaders to lead similar initiatives, emphasizing the unique trust communities place in traditional institutions.
Discussions also covered the implications of local government autonomy on traditional institutions, with governors updating monarchs on recent Supreme Court rulings and their potential impacts.
The Etsu Nupe, who presented an overview of the bill, highlighted that the proposed legislation covers the structure and functions of traditional institutions, while shielding them from partisan politics. He spoke about the extensive experience within the traditional leadership, emphasizing that many current leaders bring backgrounds in diverse fields, including military and professional expertise.
Reflecting on the significance of their role, the Etsu Nupe stated, “Our traditional institution is rich with professionals and technocrats who have served the country for decades and are now dedicated to leading our communities. We believe that with proper support, we can effectively address the social, political, and economic challenges facing the nation.”
This commitment by both the governors and traditional rulers represents a step forward in formalizing the critical role of traditional institutions in Nigerian governance and community well-being.
Source: Leadership News
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice