By Edwin Philip
Senator representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, Senator Ahmed Wadada, has been extolled when the Emir of Lafia Justice Sidi Bage Conferred on him the traditional title of Magajin Dangin Lafia Bare-Bari.
Speaking at the event, the president and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described the elevation of Wadada to the prestigious traditional title as a product of his personal honour, affirmation of unwavering commitment to public service, community development and a preservation of a cultural heritage which is fitting of his new title.
He said the title is in recognition of Wadada’s sterling contributions to nation building, ranging from his distinguish legislative carrier as well as his consistent advocacy for good governance equity and social progress.
“The title Magajin Dangin carries with it, immense historical significance, moral responsibility and it is no doubt in the mind of many that you will continue to embody the virtue of leadership and service to humanity, which the title demands.
” I stand here today on behalf of Mr president to congratulate our friend, our brother, and colleague on the conferment of this distinguish honour and turbaning of Senator Wadada as Magajin Dangin Lafia Baribari” he said.
He however urged him to use his antecedent in both the public and private sectors as well as his philanthropic footprint, across Nasarawa State and beyond, which has earned him the respect and admiration of the people who’s life he has touched, in meaningful and purposeful ways.
“As you stepped 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 institution, may this new chapter of your life be fill with Devine guardance, wisdom and strength to discharge your duties’ he added.
The Governor of Nasarawa Engr. Abdullahi Sule extol the qualities of Senator Wadada and described him as a man of integrity and a dependable politician who have touched the lives of the people in so many ways, while commending the Emir of Lafia, for honouring Senator Wadada.
On his part, Deputy Senate of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Barau Jubrin who was speaking of unbehalf of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio paid tribute to the Emir of Lafia for honouring one of their own.
Stating that it an endorsement of the good works the legislature are doing to deepening democracy by representing the people of Nigeria faithfully, adding that senator Wadada is much deserving of the honour for what he has been doing for the people.
On their part, Senator Sani Musa and Sen.Victor Umeh said the turbaning of Senator Wadada Aliyu as magajin Dangin Lafian Barebari by the Emir of Lafia, marks a significant and commendable moment in the social political and culture history of Lafia and Nasarawa at large, both Senators said that Nasarawa people should vote for senator wadada.
Speaking to journalist at the event, the commissioner for Information Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, said that the title bestowed on Senator Wadada is a tradition way of honouring him because of what he has done, saying that the honoree is worth celebrating, well deserved and earned it.
” I think it is a thing of joy that is why people come across not only in Nasarawa State, but all over the country, it bring together personality, senator, Governors and many others to celebrate with the distinguish senator” he said.
The information Commissioner added the Emir of Lafia who is the chairman tradition council of Chiefs in Nasarawa State deserves all it takes to confer this kind of honour on whosever he wishes to honour in the State and country at large, in as much as the person that is honoured has integrity and has brought development and prosperity to Nasarawa State.
On his part, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Aminu Maifata, said Senator Wadada is someone grew up together, describing him as straight forward person, someone who is not carried away by mundane things, appreciate good relationship, someone that has friends across the Niger.
” I am not surprised by this title, I have that conviction in me that by this title, is another encouragement to continue to do what he is known for” he said.
The member representing Lafia Central and the minority whip of the assembly, Solomon Akwashiki Solomon, said the people of Lafia we are expecting Wadada to contribute to Emirate Council of Lafia, believing that Wadada has the capacity to do so, while praying for the. grace for him to succeed.
Speaking to journalist, HRH. Dr Zubairo Hamman Gabbo Muhammadu Sambo, the Lamdo Gashaka in Taraba State, said the connection between Taraba and Nasarawa State has been existing right from time immemorial, relating freely and wherever each other host event in both States.
“They will not honour a person except that person is deserving, I want to believe that the distinguish Senator Wadada who has been turbaned deserve it, he is a kind of person that has impacted positively on the people of his senatorial district”.
The son of the celebrant, Yahaya Ahmed Wadada, said the father is unbiased, advising the people of Nasarawa State to live in peace, adding by God grace he father will be the next governor of the State.
Umar Farouk Bello, from Niger State, a friend of. Yusuf, said the Wadada is like a father to despite being the father to his friend , describing as man who’s character is worthy of emulation.
Speaking on why he honoured Senator Wadada, the Emir of Lafia, described the event as a fulfilment of a promise of life, as their late had always desires to see them continue their friendship taking over from where they stopped.
“This is where we are and this is where Senator Wadada is the only thing I can do for you my brother is this honour that I can give to you and I asked him to suggest any title that you want if this is the only thing that I will do in the course of my journey into this throne ask Allah to spare my life to see this happen today” he said.
The event which took place at the palace of the Emir of Lafia, drew guest from across the country, the governors of Nasarawa, Niger, Bauchi, Senators, political stakeholders across party lines and traditional rulers.