The Council of Northern Nigeria Traditional Youth Chiefs in the Southern States has called on traditional rulers and community leaders to continue promoting peaceful coexistence between northern residents and their host communities across the region.
In a statement issued by the President-General of the Sarkin Samarin Development Initiative and Convener of the NNTYCs Stakeholders Meeting, Comrade Ambassador (Dr.) Sani Salisu Danmuttaqa, the group urged traditional institutions to strengthen mediation efforts and sustain the peaceful relationship that has existed for decades between northern communities and residents of the southern states.
The council, which represents northern traditional youth chiefs across the 17 southern states of Nigeria, said its leadership under the Fadar Sarkin Samarin Yamma remains committed to fostering unity, respect for traditional institutions and adherence to chieftaincy laws guiding each state.
According to the statement, traditional leaders and youth chiefs must remain conversant with the chieftaincy rules and legal frameworks in their respective states to avoid abuses and ensure that traditional titles and responsibilities are exercised in line with cultural values and ethics.
The group also disclosed plans to organize a series of stakeholders’ meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation between northern communities and host states. The initiative, it said, will focus on promoting political inclusion, economic opportunities, social harmony, environmental sustainability and security across communities where northern populations reside.
Danmuttaqa explained that the engagement would be driven through the council’s non-governmental organization in collaboration with other civil society groups and in partnership with government institutions at various levels.
While appreciating the governments of the 17 southern states and traditional institutions in host communities for their support, the council noted that northern residents living outside their states of origin often face challenges accessing the benefits of governance.
“We are Nigerians and subjects of the same nation. Together, we can build a greater country,” the statement said, while appealing to the Federal Government to address concerns that some northern communities in the southern states are not adequately benefiting from development programmes.
The council also advised youths to shun drug abuse and avoid divisive politics, urging them instead to embrace lawful conduct and constructive engagement that would foster peace and national development.
Danmuttaqa further raised concerns over the security situation in northern Nigeria, describing the region as “bleeding” and calling for urgent intervention to address the humanitarian and security challenges affecting communities.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to national unity, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in building a stronger Nigeria.
