By Rayyanu Bala

It is precisely seven years today since the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Mohammed Bage, ascended the throne of his forefathers.
Seven years on the throne, Sidi Mohammed Bage has come to represent a symbol of unity, peace, togetherness, and good leadership grounded in humility and genuine compassion.
It is easy to celebrate anniversaries with grand titles and ceremonial praise, but what stands out about the Emir of Lafia’s journey is his consistency. Those who knew Justice Sidi Mohammed Bage from his days on the bench often speak of his fairness, calm temperament, and deep sense of justice. Interestingly, these are not traits he left behind when he became Emir. In fact, these qualities have become even more visible now.
In a time when power and authority often distance leaders from their subjects, Emir Sidi Mohammed Bage has proven to be the opposite. His leadership is not only accessible but also amiable. The way he engages with his people is commendable and worthy of emulation. He listens, he guides, and, perhaps most importantly, he treats everyone with dignity. This is the kind of behavior every subject would like to see in a leader, as it builds trust. And it is this trust that the people of Lafia have clearly embraced over these past seven years.
Another notable quality of Emir Sidi Mohammed Bage is his inclusive approach. Leadership, especially traditional leadership, can sometimes lean heavily on hierarchy. Yet under his reign, there is a clear effort to carry people along, making governance participatory rather than imposed. It is a subtle shift from what used to be the norm in many of our palaces. Justice Sidi Bage’s approach has meaningfully impacted many communities, not only within Lafia but across Nasarawa State.
Of course, no reign is without challenges. But the true measure of leadership is not the absence of difficulties, but how those challenges are handled. In that regard, the Emir’s calm, measured, and principled approach continues to define his legacy.
As Lafia and the wider Nasarawa State mark this milestone, the seventh anniversary is not just about the passage of time, but about the quality of leadership experienced within it. The people of Lafia must show gratitude to Almighty Allah for blessing them with a leader whose values reflect justice, humility, and compassion.
Seven years on, the story of Emir Sidi Mohammed Bage is still being written. But if the past is any indication, it is a story that will continue to center on service, humanity, and a leadership style that quietly yet firmly makes a difference.
This reflection brings me to a personal experience that I cannot fail to share—an experience that highlights the humility and compassion of the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Mohammed Bage. I have shared it before, and I believe it is still worth recounting. It is an episode that will always remain in my memory.
It all began in the mid-1970s when he purchased a Honda Benly motorcycle from the late Alhaji Salihu Mairafi (Sadami) and instructed his late younger brother, Usman Bage (Daraja), who was a very good friend of mine, to collect it from Sadami’s motorcycle showroom at “Raleigh,” located at the GSS Lafia junction.
I accompanied Daraja to collect the motorcycle. However, neither of us knew how to ride. After a moment’s thought, I impulsively decided to take the risk and mounted the brand-new Honda Benly. On our way to Unguwar Doka, we had an accident. Although we did not sustain any injuries, the motorcycle was badly damaged. We were terrified and anxious about how Emir Bage would react to the fate of his brand-new bike—a prized possession at the time, as owning a Honda Benly in Lafia in those days was a source of great pride and joy.
To our utmost surprise, when Justice Bage received the news, he remained calm and was primarily concerned about our well-being. He asked about our health rather than the damaged motorcycle, which he had not even seen yet.
This personal experience vividly demonstrates the simplicity, composure, calmness, compassion, and humility of the 17th Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Mohammed Bage.
That moment still lingers in my memory, and as I have said, I cannot write about the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Mohammed Bage, without recalling this remarkable episode.