Zaria, Kaduna State – In a move towards fostering collaboration and community engagement, the SPRiNG Programme implementing partners in Kaduna State went on an advocacy visit to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, on Saturday October 31st, 2026, at the Emir’s palace in Zaria.

The delegation was led by Dr. Peterx Maji, who provided an overview of the SPRiNG programme and its strategic locations across Kaduna State. He introduced the consortium of implementing partners, including Carefronting Nigeria, Gender Awareness Trust (GAT), Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative (AWOYDI), Engaging Boarders, Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC), and Yusuf Bala Usman Institute (YBUI). Each partner shared the objectives of their respective workstreams, highlighting their commitment to the programme’s success.

A key moment of the visit was the formal presentation of research documents and publications by Barau Emmanuel, the SPRiNG Kaduna State Representative, to the Emir. This gesture symbolized a commitment to data-driven and knowledge-based interventions.

In his response, the Emir expressed his delight at receiving the organizations. He raised pertinent questions about the tracking of investments made by the UK government in Nigeria, demonstrating a keen interest in ensuring transparency and accountability. He also shared a personal experience about his training in Alternative Dispute Resolution at the University of York, which he attended through the Chevening scholarship. The Emir noted that the knowledge gained has been instrumental in his successes as a traditional leader.

The Emir emphasized the critical need for unity and tolerance among the people. He also addressed common misconceptions about the roles of traditional leaders, clarifying their commitment to the well-being of their communities. He concluded by affirming his openness to further collaboration and knowledge sharing between the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the SPRiNG Programme, and the Zazzau Emirate.

The visit concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Lydia Umar, Executive Director of Gender Awareness Trust, on behalf of all implementing partners.