ABUJA – Traditional rulers across Nigeria have pledged stronger collaboration with the Federal Government to tackle vaccine-preventable diseases, maternal and newborn mortality, malnutrition and emerging outbreaks.
The commitment was conveyed at the National Traditional and Religious Leaders’ Health Summit, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, made the pledge on behalf of the traditional rulers at the submit attended by prominent traditional and religious leaders.
Bamalli said Nigeria was at a “pivotal juncture” in its public health journey, facing persistent challenges that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
“These challenges include vaccine-preventable diseases, maternal and newborn mortality, malnutrition and emerging outbreaks. As custodians of culture, faith and influence, traditional leaders must assume an active role in the nation’s health agenda,” he stated.
According to him, traditional institutions represent the closest governance structures to grassroots communities and maintain direct engagement with households and families.
“Our authority is founded not only on tradition and culture but on sustained interaction with our people.
“This position imposes a moral obligation on us to promote positive health-seeking behaviours, counter misinformation and collaborate with government and partners in delivering life-saving interventions,” he said.
He emphasised that achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and eliminating preventable diseases cannot rest solely on government action.
“It requires trust, dialogue and community ownership. Traditional and religious leaders are essential bridges between policy and the people,” he added.
He further urged that resolutions reached at the summit must translate into measurable actions at the community level.
“As we conclude this summit, let us ensure our resolutions become actionable initiatives. Let us return to our domains as ambassadors of health equity and hope,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of traditional institutions across Nigeria to support ongoing health sector reforms and deepen community participation in national development efforts.
Also speaking, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeye Ogunwusi, called for stronger, practical collaboration between political authorities, faith-based organisations and customary institutions to drive Nigeria’s development and improve citizens’ welfare.
Ogunwusi noted that Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths, stressing that the convergence of political, traditional and religious leadership at the summit marked a historic step toward practical nation-building.
“Our country is diverse in ethnicity and faith, yet united by a common destiny. Today, tradition and faith have joined hands with political leadership to move Nigeria to another level,” he said.
He emphasised that beyond political campaigns and electoral cycles, sustainable development requires the strengthening of daily functional institutions, including traditional and faith-based structures that interact directly with communities.
“Every day, our people gather in mosques and churches, and they converge in palaces and community centres seeking guidance and solutions. It is time for political leadership to harness these existing platforms to better the lives of our people,” he stated.
The royal father described the gathering as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history, urging participants to ensure it does not end as a mere “talk show,” but translates into actionable follow-up and measurable outcomes.
He welcomed the Food Bank initiative spearheaded by the First Lady, describing it as a practical intervention that addresses hunger and community welfare.
From the traditional institution’s standpoint, he said, royal fathers remain the closest link to grassroots populations and are well-positioned to support government programmes.
“Our palaces are open. They are centres of convergence in every community. We do not lock our gates. People come to us daily. This strength must be utilised for national progress,” he said.
He also called on Christian and Islamic leaders to deepen collaboration in promoting unity and social responsibility.
“Nigeria is bigger than any individual. It belongs to all of us. We must work together in tandem to make our country a better place,” he said.
Reports that observers at the summit noted that the endorsement of traditional rulers could significantly strengthen public confidence in health interventions, particularly in rural and underserved areas where community leaders wield substantial influence.
The pledge by the leaders is expected to bolster the Federal Government’s broader health reform agenda aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, increasing immunisation coverage and reducing maternal and child mortality.
With traditional and religious leaders committing to sustained engagement, stakeholders expressed optimism that community-driven health advocacy would accelerate progress toward improved health outcomes nationwide.
Observers noted that the endorsement of practical partnerships by traditional and religious leaders could significantly enhance public trust, policy implementation and service delivery across communities.(NAN)
