Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau says the state government will strengthen traditional institutions to enable them to contribute significantly in the peace building process.

The governor said this on Saturday at a cultural festival known as Bit Pol. 2016 which was held at Ajikamai, his home town, in Shendam Local Government Area of the state.

He said that for development to thrive there must be peace, adding that for peace to be entrenched, traditional institutions must be strong to play its part as the custodian of people’s culture.

“Culture is the way of life of people, the traditional rulers are the custodians of cultures and we want to use them to achieve the peace that we need.

“And to use them, we need to make them comfortable and that is why we have set up a committee to review upward salaries and wages of traditional rulers.

“We will also revisit the creation of chiefdoms and village areas as part of our efforts to make the traditional rulers stronger and closer to their people,’’ he said.

Lalong reiterated his administration’s commitment to harness the tourism potential as well as the rich cultural heritage of Plateau to attract tourists and investors to the state.

He expressed appreciation to God for the peaceful celebration of Christmas and the New Year in the state, adding that the state did not register any security challenge during the festivities.

Earlier, Mr Alex Na’antuam, Chairman of Shendam Local Government, said that the council was partnering the traditional institutions to devise ways of promoting the cultures of the Shendam people.

Na’antuam urged the people of the area to be peaceful, patient and accommodating for government to bring the desired change.

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We will strengthen traditional institutions for peace building – Lalong