Kwara state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday presented the staff of office to the new Emir of Lafiagi Alhaji Mohammed Kawu Kudu, urging him to make his reign peaceful, progressive, and a pride to his people and the state at large.
The monarch, the 14th royal head of the emirate, ascended the throne on 30th July, 2021, following the death of the late Emir Saadu Kawu Haliru who reigned for 46 years.
“Your Royal Highness, today’s event serves to honour you and especially your forebears whose memorable reigns created the fertile grounds for you to emerge,” AbdulRazaq said, shortly after handing the royal staff of office to the new monarch.
“I urge you to make your reign very memorable for all your subjects, indigenes or not, corporate or individuals. May God make it easy for you and grant you long and peaceful reign.”
AbdulRazaq, who commended the traditional rulers under the leadership of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari (CFR), for keeping their domains peaceful, appealed for their continuous support in the administration’s bid to protect lives and properties.
He said the support of the royal fathers have helped to make Kwara a lot more conducive and business-friendly than many of its contemporaries.
“Your Royal Highnesses, we thank you for all that you do to support us to keep our country secure, peaceful and in harmony. We are in a trying moment as a country. We beseech Your Royal Highnesses to continue to support governments to maintain peace among all our people. I thank the Kwara State Traditional Council led by Mai Martaba the Emir of Ilorin for the wonderful job of working with us to keep the peace in our state,” he said.
“This is yielding positive results. Just yesterday, a pan-Nigerian nonprofit Fate Foundation owned by top rated entrepreneur Mr. Fola Adeola ranked Kwara first in Nigeria in Enabling Business Environment and second in Perception of Opportunities Index and Third in Business Performance Index. I credit Your Royal Highnesses, the people of our state and the security agencies for these great feats. Please continue along this honourable path.”
The administration is not relenting in meeting the people’s expectations, most especially their yearnings for good road networks, quality and affordable education, improved healthcare services, among other things, the Governor added.
“Whether in road construction, education, health, social investment or opportunities, our administration is living up to the billings. The Lafiagi General Hospital is undergoing renovation and remodeling. Reconstruction works are ongoing in many schools, among others. I can also confirm that our own Radio Kwara has just installed a booster station in Lafiagi. This will lead to uninterrupted transmission,” according to the Governor.
At the ceremony were top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries, including Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly Rt Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danlandi; Senators Umar Sadiq (North) and Lola Ashir (South); members House of Representatives Hon. Umar Bio and Hon. Ahmed Ndakeni
Alhaji Muhammad Kawu, the new emir, pledged to promote peace, unity and development of Lafiagi Emirate and Kwara State.
He said he will also be just and fair in the handling of matters brought before him.
“The welfare of my people and the progress and development of the Emirate shall be my vision and mission,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to God, the people of the Emirate, other Princes, and the government for finding him worthy of the exalted position.
“I also thank His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, who approved my elevation to the exalted throne of Sheikh Amanzuma, my forefather. I want to assure Your Excellency that you can count on us to give maximum cooperation and support to the policies and programmes of your administration,” the Emir added.
