Inter Tribal Traditional Leaders Association Inaugurated In Kano

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

As part of efforts to ensure lasting solution for insecurity and to safeguard the indissolubility and sovereignty of Nigeria, ethnic traditional rulers have come together and formed an association, which was inaugurated in Kano State. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the association, which is known as Inter Tribal Traditional Leaders Association of Nigeria (ITTLAN), was inaugurated by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, at MEENAH Event Centre, Lodge Road, Kano, on Friday 2nd July 2021.

Also in attendance was the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Ezendigbo Lagos State, Eze Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu as well as the 18-member National Executive Council of ITTLAN and host of others.

The new National Chairman of the group, Ezendigbo, Kano State, Igwe Boniface Ibekwe, in his acceptance speech, appreciated the Governor of Kano State, for his singular contribution towards ensuring peace, prosperity and development in Nigeria.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Bayero, who was the father of the day noted that ITTLAN was relevant in view of the present situation and other challenges in the country and assured that the five Emirates Councils in Kano State, which he is the Chairman, will continue to work for peace, security and progress of the country.

The host, Gov Ganduje, in his post-inauguration address expressed his gratitude to the Chairman, Igwe Boniface Ibekwe and members of ITTLAN and noted that the formation of the association was a clear demonstration of their commitment towards peace, unity, security and oneness of Nigeria.

He maintained that Nigerians need one another, assuring that authorities at all levels are capable of bringing about lasting solution to the myriad of problems and challenges facing the country. He noted the importance of traditional institutions as rallying point for the generality of the people and there was need to define the role of the institution as fourth tie of government.

Speaking on the new association, Eze Nwachukwu said it was a welcome development to bring peace in Nigeria, stressing that the aim was to unite and build bridges across Nigerian despite religion and ethnic background.

He stated that having inaugurated the association, part of his duty as Ezendigbo Lagos State is to mobilize the traditional rulers to join the group to sensitize the people on the need to live in peace in Nigeria.

Nwachukwu said he and the members will reach out to the Lagos State Government, Oba of Lagos Council, National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intimate them on the objective of the association, which is unity in diversity and would spread to other States across Nigeria.

Other traditional rulers, who are members of the Executive Committee  of the Association apart from the Chairman, Igwe Boniface Ibekwe (Kano State) and Eze Christian Nwachukwu (Lagos State) included: Alhaji Musa Muhammad Dogon (Sarkin Agege Lagos) Yusuf Sambo (Enugu), Murtala Alimi (Oba Yoruba Kano), Abdulazeez Haruna, (Plateau and Nasarawa States), Eze Uche Egenti (Abuja) Alhaji Hassan Yusuf (Maiduguri), Alhaji Inuwa Garba (Shagamu) Babah Sale (Okene), Amb. Ndanusa Yakubu (Katsina), Dr Alani Adeyemi (Gombe).

Others included: Alhaji Babangida Kusade (Akure), Eze Gregory Iloehika (Ondo) His Highness Musa Abdussiam (Onu Igala, Abuja), Alhaji Manko Ibrahim (Gwandu), Highness Isiak Bello (Zazzau) and His Highness Fred Ahkhigbe (Sarki Edo Kano).