By Diana Omueza
Mrs Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement (North-Central) says that traditional rulers are key drivetd of national development and should not be undermined.
She said this when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, in Plateau, Jos.
Essiet, who was represented by Miss Nankwat Tongtok, a Special Assistant in the office of the SSAP (North-Central) said the aim of the visit was to discuss the various initiatives of the government and to get feedback from the traditional rulers.
She said that being an important institution that served as a bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots, it was important to foster community engagements and collaborations.
According to her, discussions on promotion of peace and security, enhancement of socio-cultural heritage, food security and sustainability, will not be complete without contributions from the traditional rulers.
“The President initiated the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, because he is passionate about the yearnings of the people at the grassroots.
“That is the reason why we are here, to seek partnership and collaborate with you to achieve the mandates of the President.
“This is because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies are geared towards transforming Nigeria from a third world country to one of the leading economies in the world.
“And as we all know, he cannot do it alone without the support of the traditional institutions,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Alice Dimlong, Women Leader, All Progressives Congress (Plateau) and a member of the delegation, appreciated the council of chiefs for the warm welcome and for granting them audience inspite their tight schedules.
She said that all their deliberations would be duly passed across to the office of the President to ensure that people at the grassroots enjoy the dividends of democracy.
On his part, the Chairman of the council, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbom Gwong Jos, appreciated the team for the visit and assured of their readiness for further collaborations.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North-Central, for seeing the need to partner with the traditional council.
“This is the institution that is closest to the people and anything that concerns the people is of utmost importance to the chiefs.
“Since this is an introductory visit, I want to assure you that our doors are open to partner with the office, so that the dividends of democracy will get to the people at the grassroots,” he said.