by Bolaji Ogundele,
…Urges Nigerians to embrace education, national cohesion
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday paid glowing tribute to the late Emir of Ngazargamu, Alhaji Tijjani Ahmed Ibn-Saleh, describing the revered traditional ruler as a symbol of unity, peace and progress whose life offers enduring lessons for Nigerians, particularly the younger generation.
Speaking shortly after attending the funeral of the monarch in Damaturu, Yobe State, Shettima said the late Emir lived an exemplary life dedicated to the advancement of his people and the promotion of education as a tool for societal development.
In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima urged Nigerians to emulate the values espoused by the deceased monarch, especially his commitment to learning, peaceful coexistence and community service.
“He led a good life; he was an advocate of education as a tool for social enhancement. He lived well and died honourably. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest,” Shettima said while addressing journalists after the burial.
He noted that the late Emir’s contributions to peace-building and community development would remain a reference point for future generations, adding that the traditional ruler’s legacy should inspire Nigerians to work together for the unity and progress of the country.
According to the Vice President, the monarch represented the institutional memory and history of the Ngazargamu Emirate and remained a rallying point for harmony among his subjects throughout his reign.
Shettima also prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased and asked God to grant strength and consolation to members of the royal family and the people of the emirate.
Earlier, the Vice President joined Muslim faithful at the Yobe Islamic Centre in Damaturu for the Jumat congregational prayer and funeral rites held in honour of the late monarch.
He later visited the Yobe State Presidential Lodge where he conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to the immediate family of the deceased.
In a sermon during the Jumat prayer, the Imam of the Yobe Islamic Centre, Ustaz Hudu Mohammed, urged Nigerians to maintain the fear of God in all their dealings, stressing that wealth and success ultimately come from the Almighty.
The cleric also offered prayers for peace, stability and development in Nigeria, while calling on citizens to continually pray for their leaders and support efforts aimed at national progress.
The late Emir died in Cairo, Egypt, after a prolonged illness.
Among dignitaries who attended the funeral were Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni; former Senate President Ahmed Lawan; former Vice President Babagana Kingibe; former Governor and Senator Danjuma Goje; Senator Kaka Shehu; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; and the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, among other prominent traditional and political leaders.
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