Shettima and Governors Celebrate Emir of Lafia’s 70th Birthday, Calling Him a Beacon of Unity

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Vice‑President Kashim Shettima, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum all paid high praise to the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), during his 70th birthday and valedictory ceremony in Lafia. They described him as a model of leadership that Nigeria needs to achieve unity and greatness.

In his address, Vice‑President Shettima said the nation’s future would be secured when every community is led by figures who embody peace and service. He envisioned a federation where each region is anchored by people who place peace above provocation and who treat the welfare of strangers as the welfare of their own communities.

“Where there are leaders who heal rather than divide, who build rather than burn, who serve rather than seek, the greatness of this nation becomes a destiny we author with our own hands,” he added.

Shettima praised Justice Sidi Bage’s transition from the judiciary to the traditional stool. A former professor and Justice of the Supreme Court, the emir, he noted, did not abandon the discipline of the bench but carried it to the throne.

He also highlighted the emir’s role as a steady custodian of harmony across diverse communities in the state, noting his service as Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs.

Governor Abdullahi Sule described the anniversary as a “very, very special day” for Nasarawa and its people. He said the emir’s personal qualities of patience, integrity, and contentment have directly shaped his own approach to governance, adding, “I’m still learning from him.”

Sule emphasized the monarch’s humility, saying, “Emir of Lafia is one Emir that will come to you and you will never know when he’s in need. This is what made him special.”

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum called the emir a “symbol of vision and service” and offered prayers for Allah to grant the traditional ruler more wisdom and strength to continue serving his people.

In his response, Emir Muhammad expressed gratitude to Allah for the gift of life. “I accept the fact that today, I am 70 years, and I thank Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala for that,” he said.