Etsu Of Patigi Attends National Conference On Grassroots Development

ABUJA, NIGERIA — His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, the Etsu of Patigi and Vice Chairman, Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, has attended the maiden Annual National Conference of the 774 Local Government Council Chairmen and Traditional Rulers’ Councils in Abuja.

The three-day conference, which commenced on September 22, 2026, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON.

The conference, themed “Cascading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the Grassroots,” brought together local government leaders and traditional institutions from across Nigeria to deliberate on strengthening grassroots governance and development.

Declaring the conference open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, charged local government leaders to translate the autonomy of the third tier of government into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

The President emphasised the need for better primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, potable water, food security, support for small businesses, employment opportunities and effective community-based security.

He also called for stronger collaboration between local governments and traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women groups, community associations and security agencies in addressing challenges at the grassroots.

The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Rt. Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo, described traditional rulers as critical stakeholders in peacebuilding, community mobilisation and sustainable development, noting their deep connection with the people and their role as custodians of cultural heritage.

The conference also featured discussions on accountability, effective service delivery, 

intergovernmental relations, project monitoring and strategies for ensuring that government programmes and interventions reach communities across the country.

The Etsu of Patigi’s participation underscores the important role of traditional institutions in contributing to national discussions on grassroots development, peace, security and community engagement.

The Etsu reaffirmed the continued support of the traditional institution for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity, community development and the wellbeing of the people of Nigerians

The conference is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening local governance and accelerating sustainable development across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.

Tsoede Tv