President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage Muhammad I, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, describing him as an exceptional jurist and a revered traditional ruler whose contributions to national development remain invaluable.
In a congratulatory message on Monday, President Tinubu commended the monarch’s distinguished career in the judiciary, which saw him rise from the High Court to the Court of Appeal before attaining the pinnacle of the legal profession as a Justice of the Supreme Court.
The President noted that Justice Bage’s record of excellence in the judiciary has been replicated in his traditional leadership since ascending the throne as the 17th Emir of Lafia on March 26, 2019.
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According to President Tinubu, the Emir’s reign over the past seven years has been marked by remarkable achievements, including the promotion of peace, justice, national unity, and community development within the Lafia Emirate and beyond.
He described the monarch’s ascension as historic, noting that he succeeded the late Dr Isa Mustapha Agwai, one of Nigeria’s longest-serving traditional rulers who spent more than four decades on the throne.
The President further praised the Emir’s commitment to interfaith harmony, education, and the socio-economic development of Nasarawa State while acknowledging his leadership as Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs.
President Tinubu said Justice Bage had played a significant role in fostering unity and harmony among traditional institutions not only in Nasarawa State but across the North-Central region and the country at large.
The President also highlighted the Emir’s religious leadership as the Grand Khalif of the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order in Nasarawa State, noting that he has successfully combined traditional responsibilities with religious obligations.
Expressing gratitude for the Emir’s friendship, support, and camaraderie over the years, President Tinubu prayed for continued good health, wisdom, and long life for the royal father.
The President prays that Almighty Allah will continue to grant His Royal Highness many more years of good health, wisdom, and service to the people of Lafia and beyond as he marks his seventh year on the throne and celebrates his platinum birthday.
