By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Emir of Lafia in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Sidi Bage, has conferred the title of Zannan of Lafia Emirate on Professor Agboola Gambari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The ceremony, which attracted the creme de la creme in the society, took place over the weekend at the Emir’s palace in Lafia.
The traditional title was conferred on Professor Gambari when he paid a courtesy visit on the Emir in his palace.
In his brief remarks, the Emir said the title was bestowed on Gambari due to his uprightness, thoughtfulness and for being a trustworthy Nigerian, adding that the title of Zannan of Lafia means, defender of Lafia Emirate.
The Emir noted that such titles are only conferred on people of impeccable character, high integrity and a lover of peace and harmony which, he said, are attributes of the new title holder.
In his response, the new Zannan thanked the Emir and the entire people of Lafia Emirate for the honour done him, promising to continue to do his best at all times for humanity, upholding the trust the people of Lafia Emirate reposed in him.
He appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his unrelenting determination and efforts to put Nigeria on a higher pedestal.
The event was witnessed by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, Professor Muhammed S. Haruna (Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Dr. Shuaib Faisal (Executive Secretary Primary Health Care), Mallam Nasiru Kwarra, Chairman, National Population Commission, Engr. Isa Modibbo, Chairman, Down and Midstream Commission, and Ambassador Abdullahi Omaki, Special Assistant to the President, Foreign Affairs, among others.
It would be recalled that Prof. Gambari had served as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Permanent Representative to the UN in New York and first Under Secretary-General and Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General on Africa (1999-2005).
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