Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has presented a first-class staff of office to Esu Chikun, His Royal Highness, Dr. Danjuma Barde.
The governor had, last month, upgraded the stool to first class status.
In his address at the occasion, which held at the Esu Chikun Palace in Kakau, Kaduna, the governor said the elevation of the chief was done to recognise his contribution to the advancement of peace in the state.
He said: “The decision to upgrade Chikun Chiefdom follows a recommendation to that effect by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs which highlighted the role of HRH Danjuma Barde as a bridge-builder among the various ethnic groups in the Chiefdom.
“Shortly before the elevation, the government had in fact, sent a letter of commendation to the Esu Chikun whose chiefdom includes a significant chunk of Kaduna metropolis”
Calling on the people of the state to live in peace with one another, the governor said traditional rulers have a vital role to play in encouraging and nudging communities towards tolerance and cooperation for a common purpose.
The governor said his administration was involving the traditional institution in driving development in the state and called on the residents who live or work within the chiefdom to support and encourage the Esu Chikun.
Th governor said the Kaduna State Government had taken steps to enhance the prestige and authority of the traditional institution.
The Esu Chikun, who dedicated the elevation to Gbagyi ancestral fathers, commended governor El-Rufai for the honour to the chiefdom and tasked traditional rulers in his chiefdom to preach and live in peace with one another irrespective of ethnic, tribal and religious background.
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