Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State was agog yesterday as vice president Kashim Shettima, former President Muhammadu Buhari and other dignitaries witnessed the turbaning of the new Sardaunan Dutse, Alhaji Nasiru Haladu Dano and Mr Adokiye Ikpoki as Sodangin Dutse.
The emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Sanusi promoted Dano from Dan’Amanar Dutse to Sardaunan Dutse following the death of former Sardaunan Dutse, Alhaji Bello Maitama Yusuf, who held the title for over 30 years.
The turbaning of the philanthropist, businessman, politician and nationalist was held in Dutse Emirate Palace in Garu area of the capital city.
In his remarks, Alhaji Sanusi said the promotion of Dan’Amanar to one of the must exalted traditional titles, Sardaunan Dutse, was in recognition of his commitment to the peace, unity and development of Dutse Emirate, Jigawa State and Nigeria.
He said, “We confer this title on you based on merit; over the years, you proved to be a good son, a good ambassador of the emirate, a national patriot and service to humanity, we hope the new title will serve as a call for more selfless service.
“For Mr Adokiye Ikpoki, an indigene of Rivers State, a successful businessman with links all over the nation and beyond, we confer this title on you based on your historical contributions and support to national unity and economic development.
“We expect you to use the title to promote mutual understanding between the people of the South- South and Dutse Emirate Council as well as Northern Nigeria at large for peace and progress of the nation,” the emir stated.
In his address, Dano (Sardaunan Dutse) promised to do more for the emirate and Nigeria.
“I accepted this title as a call for more selfless service and I promise to hold the title with its glory and responsibility, I will do everything possible for the confidence that Dutse Emirate reposed in me and all well-wishers, Insha Allah”, he said.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Jigawa State governor Umar Namadi, the minister of aviation Festus Keyamo, former minister of transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former chief of army staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd) and former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss Ibrahim Magu.
