Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, presented the staff of office to the new Shehu of Bama, (Dr) Umar Kyari Umar ElKanemi at the township stadium in Bama town.
The emergence of the 2nd Shehu of Bama followed the demise of his father, Alhaji (Dr.) Shehu Kyari Ibn Ibrahim ElKanemi after 30 years of reign.
“I am delighted to join the people of Bama Emirate on the auspicious occasion of the Presentation of Staff of Office to the 1st Class Shehu of Bama, His Royal Highness, (Dr) Umar Kyari Umar ElKanemi. I wish to congratulate Your Royal Highness on your emergence as the Shehu of Bama. We have no doubt that with your pedigree and experience as a leader, you will offer inspired leadership for Bama Emirate,” Zulum stated.
The governor charged the monarch to continue to unify the people of his emirate, carry all the ruling houses along, while remaining open and receptive to positive contributions from all relevant stakeholders.
He acknowledged that his administration is conscious of the positive role that traditional rulers play in promoting greater understanding and peaceful co-existence among the people.
“Your contributions have been most appreciable and rewarding in the mobilization of our citizens to compliment government efforts especially in the areas of self help. Members of the community have immensely contributed to the socio-economic and political regeneration, peace and stability which we enjoy and assured our corporate existence as a state,” he added.
Governor Zulum reiterated that his administration will continue to pursue policies and programmes that will improve quality of life of the people in line with Borno State’s 25 year Development Framework and 10 year Strategic Transformation Plan.
Governor Zulum announced plans to close down Bama IDP camp and resettle the people of Daral Jamal, Tarmua, Mayanti, Bula Yobe, Abbaram, Goniri and Kumshe by end of the year.
“I have released funds for the restoration of electricity to Bama and will want to assure you that Gwoza town will also be electrified”, he assured.
The governor paid tribute to his late father, the 1st Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Dr. Shehu Kyari Ibn Umar Elkanemi who had contributed immensely to the successes in different sectors of the state, especially in the critical areas of education, preventive healthcare, peace building and mass mobilization.
He expressed confidence that the new Shehu will consolidate on the solid foundation already put in place by his late father.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum commended Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, under whose leadership construction of Bama town started.
He appreciated the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and other traditional rulers within and from neighbouring countries of Chad and Cameroon for attending the event.
The Shehu of Bama, (Dr) Umar Kyari Umar ElKanemi promised to continue to build bridges of understanding, support government policies for sustainable peace and development of the area.
He commended the governor for the timely resettlement of displaced communities, provided inputs and agro-chemicals to farming communities and livelihood to victims of insurgency.
The governor had earlier commissioned the newly constructed government lodge in Konduga Local Government Area.
The occasion was attended by the deputy governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and his Yobe State counterpart, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, former governor of Borno State, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, members of the national assembly, Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, members of the state assembly and APC deputy national chairman.
Others are Sultan of Sokoto, Shehu of Borno, emirs and traditional rulers from within Nigeria and the neighbouring countries, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, among other personalities.
