|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Mr. Francis John
By Francis John
Nigeria’s traditional system of governance has long mirrored the British system, complete with royal families, monarchs, and ceremonial roles akin to those of the Queen of England.
However, while the British monarchy has remained relevant and influential, the roles and activities of Nigerian traditional rulers—such as Emirs, Chiefs, Obas, and Obongs—have not kept pace with the needs of their communities.
This disparity calls for a critical reevaluation and modernization of the traditional rulership system in Nigeria to better serve its people and align with contemporary societal dynamics.
The Current Disconnect:
In the United Kingdom, the monarchy is deeply integrated into the national fabric, with the Queen and her family actively engaging in community outreach, national events, and charitable activities.
This active participation fosters a strong connection with the public and ensures that the monarchy remains relevant and respected. In contrast, Nigerian traditional rulers often lack direct engagement with the grassroots and rural communities.
They do not have designated offices for attending to local issues, nor do they regularly hold community meetings to understand and address ongoing concerns. This lack of proximity and interaction diminishes their role as first responders to government needs and erodes their influence and effectiveness.
The Need for Constitutional and Structural Reforms:
To revitalize traditional rulership in Nigeria, a comprehensive approach is required. Here are some proposed reforms:
Constitutional Amendments: The Nigerian constitution should be revised to clearly define the roles, responsibilities, and powers of traditional rulers. This would provide a legal framework that supports their involvement in local governance and community development.
Political Will and Support: The government must demonstrate a strong commitment to empowering traditional rulers. This could include funding for community projects, capacity-building programs, and creating platforms for collaboration between traditional leaders and government officials.
Qualifications for Office: Establishing criteria for assuming traditional leadership roles can ensure that capable and dedicated individuals occupy these positions. This could involve educational qualifications, community service records, and leadership training.
Revenue Generation: Traditional rulers should have avenues for generating revenue to support their activities. This could include tourism, cultural festivals, and partnerships with businesses. Sustainable financial models would enhance their ability to fund community initiatives.
Community Outreach Offices: Each traditional ruler should have an office dedicated to daily outreach within the community. These offices would serve as hubs for addressing local issues, facilitating community meetings, and maintaining records of interactions and resolutions.
Adapting to the Digital Age:
In the evolving digital and contactless world, traditional rulers must embrace technology to remain relevant, especially to the Gen Z population, who are deeply entrenched in social media and digital communication. Here’s how:
Digital Engagement: Traditional rulers should use social media platforms to communicate with the youth, share cultural knowledge, and promote community activities. Regular updates and interactive sessions can bridge the generational gap.
Virtual Meetings and Forums: Leveraging technology to hold virtual community meetings and forums can increase participation and accessibility, ensuring that even those in remote areas can engage with their leaders.
Educational Initiatives: Implementing programs that educate the youth about the significance of traditional rulership and cultural heritage can foster a sense of pride and connection. Collaborating with schools and universities to integrate these teachings into the curriculum can also be beneficial.
Conclusion:
The fears of Nigerian traditional rulership becoming obsolete, akin to the current challenges faced by the British monarchy with Prince Harry’s disengagement, highlight the urgent need for reform. By reinventing the constitution, fostering political will, setting clear qualifications for leadership, creating revenue generation opportunities, and establishing robust community outreach mechanisms, traditional rulers can regain their rightful place as pillars of Nigerian society.
Embracing technology and engaging with the younger generation are crucial steps in ensuring that traditional rulership remains relevant and trusted. This modernization will not only preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage but also ensure that traditional rulers play an active and meaningful role in the nation’s development.
John is Executive Director of HOPe Africa
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.