Prof. Enang Ebinga has advanced the need for the traditional institutions to be included in governance structure to address the challenges of insecurity in the country.

Ebinga who is a professor of Sociology in the department of Sociology at the University of Calabar, stated this on Saturday in Calabar at the occasion of Nkonib Qua Clan 2023 Symposium and Thanksgiving.

Speaking on the topic: "Traditional Institution in the 21st Century: Drivers of Sustainable Development " Ebinga also called for the adaptation of traditional institutions to the 21st century to continue to remain relevant.

He said government must work in partnership with the traditional institutions in order to achieve meaningful development in the country and also to curb insecurity.

He said as the custodian of the traditonal, they must be part and parcel of the plans the government has to propel the nation to 21st century development.

"We can refined our traditional institutions in such a manner that they can be part of the development processes and to do so, their roles should enshrined in the constitution.

"This will give them a sense of belonging and not a mere spectators as they are now. When they see themselves as part of government structure, they will do everything possible to protect their territory and ultimately, this will.lead to crime reduction."

Ebinga further said that working in partnership with the traditional institutions will boost the nation's tourism sector since they (traditonal institutions) are the custodians of tradition and culture.

"With legal backing, traditional institutions who are custodians of artifacts can promote tourism and thus contribute to the growth and development of the society.

Also speaking, Mr Kenneth Ita, Executive Secretary of Calabar Chamber of Commerce and industry, called for the positive utilisation of the power of the youths to exellerate community and national development.

Speaking on the topic: "The Roles and Responsibilities of Youths in Community and National Development" Ita said the youths can play a major role in community development if the necessary platform is provided for them to acquire the needed skills.

"They should be exposed to modern technology to be part of community and national development. Power of the youths must be positively utilised, even beyond skill acquisition to that of values.

"They are also prelude to peace in the community as well as the nation," he stated.

In his address, the clan head of Nkonib, Ntoe Paul Ita, said that the aimed of the Symposium was to promote unity and development in the area.

"It is only when we are united that development can be achieved. In essence, the aim is for our people to be united so that we can progress," he said.