President Bola Tinubu has urged the traditional institution in Nasarawa State to continue to work towards promoting peace and unity among the diverse socio-cultural groups across its 13 Local Government Areas in order to ensure the rapid growth and development of the state.
The President gave the charge in Lafia, the state capital on Saturday during the turbaning ceremony of the Senator representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, as the Magajin Dangin of Lafian Bare-bari, by the Lafia Emirate Council.
Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume noted that it was important for the residents of the state to continue to live in peace and harmony to enable them continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy in their various towns and communities.
He urged Senator Wadada to leverage on his new traditional title as the Magajin Dangin of Lafian Bare-bari to work towards peace-building in the Lafia Emirate and across other traditional institutions for the sustainable development of the state.
While congratulating Senator Wadada on his new traditional title, the President observed that the honour was no doubt in recognition of his contributions to the service of humanity and good governance in the state.
“Your elevation to this prestigious traditional title is not only a profound personal honour but also a resounding affirmation of your unwavering commitment to public service, community development, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
“It is a fitting recognition of your sterling contributions to nation building, your distinguished legislative career, as well as your consistent advocacy for good governance, equity, and social progress.
“The title magajin Dangin carries with it an immense historical significance and moral responsibility. There is no doubt in the minds of many that you will continue to embody the virtues of leadership, integrity, and service to humanity, which the title demands.
“Your antecedents in both the public and private sectors as well as your unwavering philanthropy footprint across national, states and beyond have earned you the respect and admiration of the people whose lives you have touched in meaningful and purposeful ways.
“As you step into this noble traditional role, I trust that you will leverage your influence to further promote unity, peace and sustainable development within the Lafia Emirate and across the broader traditional institutions,” President Tinubu added.
On his part, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, congratulated Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, describing him as a man of honour, integrity and a philanthropist who cares for the general wellbeing of the residents of the state, particularly the less-privileged ones in the society.
He also hailed Governor Abdullahi Sule for his developmental strides in Nasarawa State, noting that projects had been spread across the length and breadth of the state, and urged him to sustain the spirit of good governance in order to enhance the living conditions of the entire residents of the state.
Earlier, Governor Abdullahi Sule who was the Chief Host of the occasion, appreciated the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd) for recognising Senator Wadada and many other sons and daughters of the state with different honours.
He noted that Nasarawa State is currently the most peaceful state in the federation, explaining that it is the all-inclusive leadership style of the Emir of Lafia that had helped him in achieving peace and unity among the different ethnic and religious groups in the state.
On his part, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, appreciated all the dignitaries who graced the occasion despite their busy schedules, and promised to continue to sponsor bills at the National Assembly, and implement programmes that would have direct impacts on the people of the state and beyond.
He further noted that the honour done to him by the Lafia emirate council would spur him to do more in governance and service to humanity.
Earlier, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), while welcoming dignitaries to the turbaning ceremony, urged Senator Wadada to continue to support the less-privileged people in the society, and always stand for the truth at all times.
Arewa PUNCH reports that those in attendance during the turbaning ceremony of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada were the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe; former Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; the immediate-past Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib; and former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole.
Others were: the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago; top federal and state governments appointees; serving and former senators; serving and former members of the House of Representatives, among others graced the occasion.
