Boss Mustapha: Traditional Rulers Remain Nigeria’s Living Institutions for Peace and Unity

Daji Sani in Yola

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, described traditional institutions as “living institutions” essential to Nigeria’s nation‑building.

He made the remarks in Numan, Adamawa State, while chairing a title conferment ceremony.

During the event, Hama Bachama Homun Dr. Daniel Ismaila Shaga conferred honorary titles on 22 distinguished sons, daughters and friends of the Bachama Kingdom.

The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government officials and guests from within and outside Adamawa.

According to the former SGF, traditional institutions act as vital bridges between government and citizens.

They help align public policies with the realities of local communities, making governance more responsive.

Addressing the gathering, Mustapha noted that traditional honours go beyond public recognition.

He emphasized that such titles reflect service, sacrifice and commitment to community development over the years.

He added that every title bestowed by a traditional institution comes with responsibility and urged recipients to use their positions to serve others and contribute positively to society.

Mustapha, who holds the title of Ngra Bachama, called on all awardees to embrace their new roles and to promote peace, unity, education, security and economic development in their communities.

He also praised the Hama Bachama and the Bachama Traditional Council for sustaining the culture of recognizing outstanding contributions, saying the practice promotes values such as service, character, responsibility and community engagement.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, echoed similar sentiments.

He urged Bachama citizens to embrace peaceful coexistence as the foundation for sustainable development and progress.

The governor stressed that peace is fundamental to human existence, adding that stability allows individuals to thrive, communities to develop and societies to prosper across the state and country.

Among the recipients was Director‑General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Mr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, who was conferred the title of Dyamso Bachama.

Mr. Nkom said the title conferment fosters unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence beyond the ceremony.

He expressed gratitude to the Hama Bachama for the honour, noting that it would strengthen cultural ties between Adamawa and Kaduna States and praised government efforts on insecurity.

Dr. Agoso Bamaiyi, named Nzobyalata Hama Bachama and spokesman of the king, said he would follow in the footsteps of the late Uncle Timawus Mathias, the first holder of the title, and thanked the traditional council for the trust.

In his closing remarks, Hama Bachama Dr. Daniel Ismaila Shaga stressed that peace is critical to societal development, urging all communities in the chiefdom to embrace unity, love and mutual understanding, and to pray and work tirelessly for peace.

The colourful ceremony underscored the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in fostering peace, unity and development across Nigeria.

Traditional rulers, government officials and community leaders all attended the event.