Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has described himself as fortunate to have assumed office around the same period the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, ascended the throne, noting that he has continued to draw inspiration from the monarch’s patience, steadfastness, integrity and contentment over the years.
Governor Sule made the remarks on Monday during activities marking the Emir’s 70th birthday anniversary and statutory retirement age from the Supreme Court of Nigeria, held at the Late Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, Government House, Lafia.
The colourful event attracted prominent dignitaries from across the country, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, traditional rulers from several states, members of the National and State Assemblies, and senior government officials.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Vice President, Governor Zulum and the visiting traditional rulers for honouring the occasion with their presence. He prayed for the Emir to enjoy many more years on the throne and wished the visiting royal fathers safe journeys back to their respective states.
As part of the celebrations, Vice President Shettima commissioned several completed projects in Lafia, including the Fulafia-Gimare asphalt road, the 300-metre Kashim Shettima Street in Tudun Kwashe, and the Kashim Shettima Hall at the Emir’s Palace Guest House.
In his address, the Vice President described the Emir as a father figure whose remarkable service to Nigeria spanned the legal profession, the judiciary and traditional leadership. He praised the monarch’s distinguished career, from his academic years at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to his rise through the legal profession and eventual elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
According to Shettima, the Emir brought the discipline, wisdom and integrity of the bench to the traditional institution, contributing significantly to peace and stability in Nasarawa State.
The Vice President also commended Governor Sule for fostering development and maintaining an atmosphere of peace in the state, noting that the Emir’s leadership and the governor’s developmental strides complemented each other for the benefit of the people.
Governor Zulum, who attended the event on behalf of the people of Borno State and the Borno Emirate, described the Emir as a man of patience, steadfastness, integrity and contentment. He congratulated the monarch on reaching the milestone age and prayed for God’s continued blessings and many more years of fruitful reign.
Responding, the Emir of Lafia thanked Allah for granting him the grace to attain the age of 70 and expressed appreciation to all the dignitaries who attended the celebration. He said he accepted every commendation made about him during the event and thanked guests for their goodwill and support.
The ceremony was attended by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the APC 2027 governorship candidate for Nasarawa State, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, members of the bench and bar, media practitioners, heads of federal and state government agencies, and traditional rulers from Borno, Niger, Yobe, Taraba and Benue states.
The celebration was widely regarded as a historic moment in the life of the Lafia Emirate, bringing together political leaders, royal fathers and distinguished Nigerians to honour the Emir’s contributions to the nation and humanity.