By Ali Rabiu Ali Jigawa
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions and community leaders to enhance trust and cooperation in security initiatives across the state.
The governor made this known during the opening ceremony of a two-day paper presentation and interactive session organised for participants of Senior Course 48 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, held at Sir Ahmadu Bello Hall in Dutse.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Engineer Aminu Usman, Namadi said the state government had continued to promote grassroots participation and community policing structures, which he said had contributed significantly to the relative peace and stability being enjoyed in Jigawa.
According to him, the peaceful atmosphere in the state has enabled the government to focus on developmental sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and economic empowerment.
Speaking on the theme of the study tour, “Promoting Community Engagement for National Security and Prosperity,” the governor stressed that modern security challenges require strong collaboration between the military, civil authorities and local communities.
“Your chosen theme speaks directly to one of the most critical pillars of sustainable peace and development in our country today. It is timely and highly relevant to the realities of our nation,” he said.
“The involvement of communities as active stakeholders is indispensable. Security challenges in the modern world are increasingly complex and cannot be addressed by military efforts alone.”
Namadi noted that security remains a collective responsibility, adding that his administration had intensified engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen peaceful coexistence among residents.
“We have strengthened our engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders to build trust, enhance intelligence gathering and promote peaceful coexistence.
Through community policing structures, intelligence-sharing mechanisms and partnerships with local leaders, we have continued to foster trust between citizens and security agencies,” he stated.
He added that peace and development are closely linked, stressing that meaningful development cannot thrive without security, just as lasting peace cannot be sustained without economic and social progress.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, welcomed the participants and described the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, as one of the leading institutions for training strategic and operational military leaders in Nigeria and beyond.
He said study tours of such nature provide opportunities for exchange of ideas and practical exposure in governance, development administration, security management and intergovernmental relations.
Bala Ibrahim further reiterated the commitment of the Jigawa State Government to improving the welfare of citizens through investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and youth empowerment.
He also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their commitment to national unity and security, expressing optimism that the knowledge gained during the tour would prepare participants for future leadership responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Team Leader of the participants, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, described Jigawa as peaceful, hospitable and development-oriented.
He disclosed that the study tour was designed to expose participants to practical experiences in governance, security management and community engagement initiatives across selected states in the country.
According to him, Jigawa State was selected for the exercise because of its reputation as one of the most peaceful and stable states in Nigeria.
The event also featured paper presentations by the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa Ahmed; Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr Lawan Yunusa Danzomo; Commissioner for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Professor Isah Yusuf Chamo; and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Muttaqa Namadi.
