By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Lokoja, the headquarters of the Lokoja Kingdom, was agog with pageantry today for the celebration of this year’s edition of Lokoja Day and turbaning of six eminent persons from the kingdom by the Maigari, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikafi.
The ceremony attracted the cream of the society with the Deputy governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu, seven Houses of Assembly Speakers, the Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe, Dr Saidu Akawu Salihu, the Roggan of Eggan, Alhaji Hassan Umar, top politicians, traditional rulers and top government officials.
Speaking at the event which took place at the Maigari Palace, the monarch said that the recipients were conferred with various traditional titles based on merit and on their eminent contributions to the Nation and the state in particular.
He pointed out that everybody is aware of the contribution made by the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, in facilitating political appointment of Lokoja indigenes into state and local government, as well as the retired NNPN director, Bala Muhammed Haruna, for the role he had been playing by empowering women and youths.
He then urged them to continue with their work that earned them these biggest traditional titles in his kingdom.
He prayed Allah to bless the titles given to them also to give them strength and wisdom to do more, calling on others to emulate them.
Responding on behalf of other recipients, Bala Muhammed Haruna, the Santali Lokoja, thanked the Maigari for the honour done to them and promised that they would do more.
Among those that were turbaned are; Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Badakoshi Lokoja, Alhaji Bala Muhammed Haruna, Santali Lokoja, Mallam Abdulkareem Gwadabe Maikafi, Wakilin Gabas, Alhaji Sulaiman Ibrahim ( Barazana), Sofada Lokoja,Hon Ibrahim Danasabe Idi, Sarkin Fawa, Lokoja and Ojochenemi, Iye Igala, Lokoja.
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