The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has on Friday conferred a Hausa traditional chieftaincy title of ‘Baraden Kano’ on the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Danbazzau (rtd).
Daily Trust learnt that the chieftaincy title was awarded to the minister in recognition to his meritorious service in various capacities to the nation, spanning through his military career down to his current status as the minister of interior.
During the turbanning ceremony at the emir’s palace in Kofar Nasarawa, Kano, the emir appealed to the minister not to relent in sharing his wealth of experience with the government and Kano state emirate council with a view to improving lives of the people, and to move the state forward.
Sanusi urged Danbazzau to subscribe to the ongoing campaign for girl-child education in the state and to aggressively key in to the current war against drug and substance abuse among youth and married women in the state.
The emir said the title of Barade is conferred only on people who have distinguished themselves in the service to God and humanity, the feat he emphasized the minister has met, and therefore urged him not to relent saying much reward awaits him in the life after.
According to the emir “the title of Barade has a long history that is tied to the early days of Sokoto caliphate. The title until recently was a preserve of the possible heirs of the throne of Sultan of Sokoto, conferred based on outstanding performance of the holders most of whom were warriors and philanthropists who have impacted meaningfully in the lives of the down trodden, and have aided the propagation of Islam.
“Based on that we observed you have deserved to be awarded that historic title because of your sacrifice in serving this country as the chief of army staff at one point, and as the current minister of interior.
“Your numerous contributions to Kano emirate council are well noted, and I want to urge you not to relent in giving useful advice to the government and Kano emirate council to see to the growth and development of Kano state and Nigeria as a whole.
"Your wealth of experience is most needed, especially on better ways to strengthen our security in Kano state. Advise us on ways to go about fighting drug and substance abuse among our youths, and various ways to move Kano forward” Sanusi pleaded.
Participants at the turbanning ceremony commended the emir for considering Danbazzau worthy of the most coveted traditional title.
General J.O.J Okoloagu (rtd), described Danbazzau as the general of all generals who had carved a niche for himself since his early days in the Nigerian army.
He urged the minister not to lose his guards saying “he doesn’t know to what higher responsibilities fate may bestow on him tomorrow.”
General Okoloagu commended the emir of Kano for the recognizing and honouring Danbazzau, saying it is a call for more responsibilities to humanity.
Former Inspector General of Police, Ogbonah Okechukwu Onovo thanked the people of Kano for recognizing the life achievements of the minister, urging him to reciprocate the confidence reposed on him by the Kano emirate council.
Among the dignitaries that witnessed the turbanning were the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, captains of industries, politicians, many traditional and religious leaders from various parts of the country.
