Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the preservation and protection of traditional institutions, describing them as irreplaceable pillars of society whose relevance outlives political officeholders.

In a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima said traditional rulers remain closest to the grassroots and serve as enduring custodians of culture, unity, and stability.

Speaking in Gumel, Jigawa State, during the 45th anniversary of the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani II, and the commissioning of the Gumel Central Mosque, the Vice President noted that while elected officials serve a maximum of eight years, traditional institutions “remain forever.”

The statement reads in part:
“Traditional rulers are the closest to the grassroots. They are the leaders and fathers of society, and their institutions outlive every administration.

“The tenure of every elective political office holder ends after eight years, but the traditional institutions remain. Therefore, we must respect them, take care of them, and preserve as well as protect the institution.

“I am quite glad to be back home. Gumel is home. Founded in 1750 by Danjuma, this Emirate has a rich history… May Allah continue to bless the Emir with good health, and may his reign be long.

“The Sultan of Sokoto is a symbol of unity in our country. Hardly a week passes without him criss-crossing the length and breadth of this country building bridges.”

Shettima congratulated the Emir of Gumel on his 45 years on the throne, praying for long life to enable him witness both his golden jubilee and 100th year anniversaries. He also paid glowing tribute to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, praising his role in promoting unity across Nigeria.

The Vice President further commended Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, for cultivating 10,000 hectares of wheat, describing it as an impressive feat that surpasses the combined output of 18 northern states.

Earlier, Governor Namadi expressed appreciation to the Vice President for honouring the state’s invitation to attend the anniversary and mosque commissioning.

He said the presence of the Vice President reaffirmed the administration’s support for Jigawa’s development strides.

Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged Nigerians to uphold unity, tolerance and mutual respect despite religious or cultural differences. He congratulated the Emir of Gumel and commended Shettima for his commitment to safeguarding traditional institutions.

Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; former House of Representatives member, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu; Jigawa State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Usman, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Dangaji.

Others were the Emir of Machina, Alhaji Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama; Emir of Dutse, Muhammad Hameem Nuhu Sanusi; Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje; members of the Jigawa State Executive Council; and members of the National Assembly.