Describe the functions of the age grades in the pre-Colonial administration in Nigeria

The age
grades was one of the main political institutions of
pre-colonial societies. They
performed a lot of functions which
are listed below. 

• Defence:
  The age – grades served as members of the armed forces. Among their duties was to defend their communities against attack both from within and outside their societies. They were militant in carrying out
  their duties.
• Public work: Members of the age grades
  participated actively in carrying out community
  work-such as construction  
  of   path   roads,  
  maintenance   of   good environment,
  building of markets, building of community hall, clearing of meant for public use. 
• Security
  functions: The various pre-colonial communities ensured proper maintenance of law and order.
  The age grades served as thecommunities
  police. They carried out investigation on criminal activities, made arrest and
  punish offenders. 
• Socialization function: Apart from the
  functions above, age-grades also carried
  socialization functions. They educated
  their members about their duties and obligations to
  their community. They organized awareness programmes for themselves and the community in general,  
• Prevent
  abuse of power: As an important political institution in the
  society, age grades acted as checks agains. abuse of power or office by
  traditional chiefs and council of elders.
  This was done to prevent tyranny in the community.
•  Implementation of policies: As an
  important organ of pre-colonial societies,
  age grades assisted in the implementation
  of policies and decisions made by the council of elders.
• Ceremonial
  functions: Age grades also carried out ceremonial activities organized by the community.