Stakeholders at the 2026 Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Week in Kaduna have reiterated the central role of peace and effective communication in driving development, with the Kaduna State Government emphasizing the need to align policies with citizens’ realities.
Representing Governor Uba Sani at the Kaduna State Traditional Rulers Strategic Forum, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman Lagos, said strategic communication remains critical to achieving food security, social stability and sustainable development.
He noted that many well-designed government policies fail to deliver expected outcomes due to poor communication, stressing that bridging the gap between government intentions and public understanding is key to building trust and ensuring impact.
“Strategic communication bridges the gap between government intentions and citizens’ realities. It builds trust, drives participation, and ensures that policies achieve real impact,” he said.
The commissioner added that the Kaduna State Government is leveraging local governments, traditional institutions and the media to strengthen information dissemination and enhance citizen engagement across communities.
He stressed that effective communication also plays a vital role in promoting transparency, improving governance outcomes and supporting ongoing efforts to achieve food security in the state.
The government, he said, remains committed to working closely with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to address security and socio-economic challenges, particularly at the grassroots level.
Earlier, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku, underscored the importance of peace as a foundation for development, noting that no society can achieve meaningful progress in the absence of stability.
Similarly, the Emir of Zazzau and Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Council highlighted the need for patience, justice and inclusivity in peacebuilding, describing Nigeria’s diversity as a strength that must be harnessed through dialogue and mutual respect.
The forum, held as part of NIPR Week 2026, brought together traditional rulers, policymakers and communication experts to deliberate on strengthening collaboration for peace, food security and social stability.
Participants called for deeper engagement between government and traditional institutions, noting their crucial role in conflict resolution, intelligence gathering and community mobilization.
The event also featured panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on improving grassroots governance and fostering sustainable development through strategic communication.
