Obasanjo, Kwankwaso, Jega Honour Mahmoud At Kano Turbaning

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Friday attended the turbaning of Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud as Garkuwan Kano by the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Mahmoud, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association and ex-Attorney-General of Kano State, was turbaned alongside Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar (rtd.) as Sarkin Fulanin Ja’idanawa Kano at the Emir’s Palace.

The ceremony attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, legal practitioners, and other dignitaries, including Buba Galadima, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, and the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hashim Dahir, among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, Emir Sanusi described the conferment of the Garkuwan Kano title on Mahmoud as a recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, human rights advocacy, and service to Kano State.

The monarch said the title, which means guardian and defender of the emirate, was reserved for individuals who demonstrated commitment to justice, truth, and the protection of the people.

“Garkuwa signifies protection ,the defence of the dignity, lives, and property of the people,” Sanusi said, urging Mahmoud to continue upholding justice and supporting the development of Kano.

Responding, the new Garkuwan Kano thanked the Emir for the honour, saying the title was a call to greater responsibility.

Mahmoud said the recognition reflected the sacrifices and contributions of the Dambazawa family to Kano, adding that he would continue to support community development.

The legal icon also launched the Mahmoud Environment and Sustainability Trust during the reception, aimed at promoting environmental conservation and tackling climate change challenges.

He said the initiative would expand existing environmental projects established by his family and replicate them across communities.

Mahmoud warned that environmental degradation remained a major challenge, linking climate change to social and security concerns in parts of the Sahel region.

Meanwhile, Governor Abba Yusuf congratulated Mahmoud on the honour and pledged the Kano State Government’s support for the initiative with 10,000 tree seedlings.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Environment,Hashim Dahiru, said environmental sustainability remained central to his administration’s policies.

The founder of Pana Holding Ltd, Daere Akabo, commended Mahmoud for transforming his heritage into a lasting legacy through environmental protection.