Accra: Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh urged paramount chiefs nationwide Tuesday, calling for stronger traditional leadership as peace, security, and development efforts advance. Speaking during the second day of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference on Security and Governance at Bo-Kenema Highway Hall, Jalloh emphasized the critical role traditional rulers play in ensuring stability within their chiefdoms and supporting the country's governance agenda. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the conference is being held under the theme, 'Strengthening Chieftaincy for National Security and Governance.' Vice President Jalloh, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Local Government for organizing this important dialogue between the government and traditional authorities. He highlighted the conference as a platform for paramount chiefs to communicate their expectations to the government while clarifying their responsibilities in supporting national security, governance, and development. Jalloh stressed the importance of paramount chiefs in maintaining peace and security in their chiefdoms, urging them to take security issues seriously. The Vice President also called on the chiefs to support government development programs, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and investment. He emphasized that progress relies not only on state action but also on partnerships with private investors and other development stakeholders. However, Jalloh addressed concerns regarding the chieftaincy system, pointing to issues of legitimacy, boundary limitations, and residency requirements for paramount chiefs. He urged traditional leaders to collaborate with state institutions to enhance service delivery and strengthen revenue mobilization for local development. He underscored the role of paramount chiefs as direct representatives of their communities and key partners in ensuring development reaches the people. Jalloh noted that the conference provides a valuable opportunity for traditional leaders from across Sierra Leone to engage with one another, share experiences, and reinforce national unity. "This is a space for engagement, interaction, and learning. When Paramount Chiefs from Falaba can meet with Paramount Chiefs from Kono, sit together, share experiences, and understand each other, it promotes unity and national cohesion," Jalloh stated.