Traditional Leaders Trained on Conflict Mediation, Peacebuilding in Kaduna

In a renewed effort to promote grassroots peace and security, 80 traditional rulers from the Zazzau Emirate in Kaduna State have commenced a five-day intensive training on conflict mediation and peacebuilding in Zaria.

The workshop, organized by Green Horizon with support from the UK-funded SPRiNG Programme of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is designed to equip ward and village heads with practical tools for resolving disputes and fostering community harmony.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Chairman of Green Horizon, Prof. Muhammed Tabiu (SAN), said the training built on the success of previous pilot workshops held earlier in the year.

“This initiative is a continuation of our commitment to empower traditional leaders across Northern Nigeria with skills in conflict prevention and mediation,” Prof. Tabiu said.

He stressed the importance of strengthening the traditional justice system, noting that many traditional rulers, despite their critical roles in maintaining peace, often lack formal training in dispute resolution.

“This workshop addresses that gap. It focuses on key topics such as basic legal principles, human rights, family law, alternative dispute resolution, and collaboration with formal justice systems,” he explained.

A major highlight of the programme will be a final-day interactive roundtable, bringing together traditional rulers and representatives from key institutions, including the Nigeria Police, Sharia and Magistrate courts, NDLEA, DSS, and local vigilantes, to promote stronger inter-agency collaboration in handling local conflicts.

Prof. Tabiu also revealed that another batch of 80 traditional rulers from the emirate will undergo similar training in August or September, bringing the total number of trained community leaders to 240.

“We are grateful to the Emir of Zazzau and our sponsors for their unwavering support. Together, we are working to build safer and more resilient communities,” he added.

In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, represented by the Waziri of Zazzau, Khadi Muhammad Inuwa Aminu, urged the participating village and ward heads to take the training seriously, emphasizing their crucial role in grassroots peacebuilding.

“Traditional leaders are often called upon to mediate land disputes, marital issues, and other communal conflicts. This training provides them with the necessary tools to carry out these roles effectively,” he said.

He further appealed to local authorities to consider placing ward and village heads on a monthly salary or allowance to enable them to perform their duties more effectively and with dignity.