Machina Emirate Council in Yobe on Sunday conferred traditional titles of ‘Danmasani’ and ‘ Zannah-Gargamma on the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and Gov. Mai Mala Buni of the state, respectively, at the annual Machina Cultural Festival.
Similarly, the Council also conferred the title of ‘Danmaliki’ to Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi and the title of ‘ Dokajin’ to his Jigawa counterpart, Gov Badaru Abubakar.
Presenting letters of appointment to the dignitaries, the Emir of Machina, Alhaji Bashir Bukar-Albishir, said the Emirate was elated by the presence of the dignitaries at the event.
“ The Emirate is honoured with your esteemed presence at this festival this year.
“ These titles are conferred on you as a result of your contributions towards the socio-economic and political development of the Emirate, the state and the country at large,” he said.
In his remarks, Buni expressed satisfaction with the peace and security now enjoyed in the state compared to what was obtainable in the past.
“In the past we cannot afford to assemble such a huge crowd, and we have to be subjected to vigorous screening wherever we go including places of worship, markets and hospitals; this is now history.
“For us in the North East, we remain grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for his resilience in the fight against insurgency.
“His administration is now equipping the security agencies with military hardware, arms and ammunition after a long neglect which has been responsible for Nigeria’s security challenges.
“We are optimistic that by the special Grace of God, the federal government would overcome the existing challenges,” he said.
The governor assured his administration’s commitment to empower youths and women, saying education, healthcare delivery and economic empowerment remained top priority of his administration.
While pledging that he would construct the Dole-Machina-Jigawa Road, Buni commended Lawan for providing the required leadership for harmonious relationship existing between the Executives and the Legislature.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the festival include durbar horse riding, traditional wrestling, among others.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included a representative of the President of Niger Republic, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu, Emir of Bama, Alhaji Umar Ibn-Kyari and Emir of Biu, Mai-Mustapha Umar.
(NAN)
