Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development and lasting peace depends on leaders who place national unity, justice, and the welfare of citizens above personal interests and ambitions.
He remarked on Monday, during a one-day working visit to Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, where he attended the 70th Birthday and Valedictory Celebration of the 16th Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I.
During the visit, he also commissioned major infrastructure projects, including a hall and a newly constructed road named after him.
Describing the Emir of Lafia as an exceptional national figure known for scholarship, integrity, and service, Shettima said the royal father embodies the kind of leadership Nigeria needs in every part of the country.
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He noted that before ascending the throne, Justice Sidi Bage served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and successfully transferred the discipline, fairness, and clarity associated with the judiciary into traditional leadership.
According to him, when the Emir ascended the throne of his forefathers, he retained the discipline of the judicial bench and used it to serve the people of Lafia.
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He also praised the Emir’s leadership as Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, highlighting his ability to promote peace and harmony among people of diverse faiths, languages, and cultural backgrounds.
Shettima stressed that traditional institutions, when guided by wisdom, remain among Nigeria’s strongest instruments for fostering national unity and cohesion.
Reflecting on the nation’s future, Shettima said Nigeria’s greatness would become a reality when communities are led by individuals who choose reconciliation over division, development over destruction, and service over personal gain.
He added that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises the important role of collaboration between elected leaders and traditional institutions in driving national renewal and development.
In his response, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Muhammad I, explained that the newly constructed hall was named after Shettima to preserve the longstanding historical relationship between the Lafia Emirate and the ancient Borno Empire.
He recalled meeting the late Sir Ibrahim Kashim of Borno at the age of eight, describing the encounter as a memorable experience that has remained with him throughout his life.
Earlier in the day, Shettima commissioned two major infrastructure projects in Lafia.
The first was the 5-kilometre Maimatasa-Gemeri-Federal University Road, located opposite the Federal University entrance.
Governor Abdullahi Sule explained that the project was undertaken to address insecurity in the area and stimulate economic activities, particularly benefiting students of the university.
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The second project was the 5-kilometre Kashim Shettima Road, which leads directly to the Emir’s palace and is expected to improve urban accessibility and support commercial growth.
Sule expressed appreciation to Shettima for the visit and commended the Emir for his humility and contentment.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum also conveyed goodwill on behalf of the people of Borno State, praying for the Emir’s continued good health, longevity, and successful reign.
The event attracted several prominent dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe; the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Auwal Jatau; the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Ahmed Wadada; as well as numerous traditional rulers and senior government officials.
