Former NIPSS DG, Muhammad-Bande Turbaned Baraden Besse

The former director-general of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, has been  conferred the traditional title of Baraden Besse (District Head of Besse) by the Gwandu Emirate Council of Kebbi State.

The Emirate said the turbaning is in recognition of his distinguished contributions to Nigeria and the international community.

Prof Muhammad-Bande was formally turbaned by His Royal Highness, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar Emir of Gwandu, at the Abdullahi Fodio Palace, Birnin Kebbi.

A statement issued in Jos by the head of Public Affairs of NIPSS, Dr Osime Samuel, said the former the director-general brings to his new traditional responsibility an exceptional record of service spanning academia, strategic policy, public administration and international diplomacy.

Prof Muhammad-Bande served as Director-General of NIPSS, Kuru, from 2010 to 2016. His tenure at the premier policy and strategic studies institution placed him at the centre of national efforts to develop strategic leadership and strengthen policy thinking in Nigeria.

Our correspondent learnt that his appointment and role as NIPSS Director-General are documented in contemporary profiles, including records from the British High Commission.

Before leading NIPSS, Prof Muhammad-Bande had established himself as a distinguished academic at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where he rose from Graduate Assistant to Professor and subsequently served as Vice-Chancellor from 2004 to 2009.

His career later moved decisively into international diplomacy. He became Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 2017, with UN records identifying him in that capacity at the time of his election to the presidency of the General Assembly.

The United Nations General Assembly elected Prof Muhammad-Bande by acclamation as President of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

He subsequently presided over the Assembly from 17 September 2019 to 14 September 2020.

His election to the UNGA presidency was a major milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic history, making him the second Nigerian to occupy the position, after Ambassador Joseph Nanven Garba.

At the time of his election, he was serving as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

As President of the 74th General Assembly, Prof Muhammad-Bande identified peace and security, poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion among the priorities of his presidency.

The turbanning ceremony, held at the Abdullahi Fodio Palace in Birnin Kebbi, brought together dignitaries, traditional rulers, academics, diplomats, public officials, friends and associates to celebrate the conferment of the prestigious title.